Bernie Lawrence-Watkins, and Chester Wilkins, both originally from Dominica, are scheduled to participate as presenters at the upcoming National Bar Association (NBA) Centennial Convention.
The event is set to take place from July 26 to August 1, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, Illinois. According to a media release, on Tuesday, July 29, the duo will partake in a prominent panel discussion entitled “The Entertainment Industry and Artificial Intelligence.”
This session, part of the convention’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) offerings, will delve into the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and the entertainment sector. Topics of discussion will include how AI technologies are transforming content creation, the challenges related to intellectual property rights, and the implications for artists’ rights in an increasingly automated landscape. Reportedly, attendees can anticipate gaining practical insights into emerging tools such as visual perception systems, speech recognition technology, and machine learning models that are revolutionizing how entertainment is produced and distributed.
Lawrence-Watkins and Wilkins will join a distinguished group including moderator Attorney Ricky Anderson, along with representatives from major media companies and law firms such as Joseph Ford of NBC Universal, Darrick Hooker of Barnes & Thornburg, and Daryl D. Jones of the Law Office of Daryl D. Jones, PC.
Despite residing in the United States for many years, both Lawrence-Watkins and Wilkins say they maintain strong ties to their Dominican heritage and are proud to represent their homeland on this prestigious international platform.
“I was born on this beautiful island, and though I left at a young age, its influence has never departed from me,” Lawrence-Watkins stated, adding, “I’m honored to be sharing our expertise at an event that sets the tone for law, technology, and entertainment for the next century and that will have a global impact—Dominica included.”
Lawrence-Watkins established B. Lawrence Watkins & Associates, P.C., an Atlanta-based law firm specializing in entertainment, intellectual property, and business law, in 2002. With over 25 years of experience, the release shares that she “has negotiated game-changing deals for global superstars and producers behind chart-topping hits by Drake, Beyoncé, Eminem, Usher, DJ Khaled, and 21 Savage-another impactful Dominican-heritage talent in Entertainment, among others.”
It further states that she is recognized for her ability to protect creative talents and maximize their commercial value, securing endorsements with brands like Apple, McDonald’s, and Coca-Cola. Her reputation in the industry has earned her titles such as “Bernie Gets You Paid”, and accolades from Billboard Magazine’s Top Music Lawyers and ASCAP’s Women Behind the Music Award.
In addition to her legal work, Lawrence-Watkins, says the statement, is dedicated to mentorship and education, serving on the boards of Georgia Music Partners and Girls Make Beats, Inc., and working as an adjunct professor at Georgia State University College of Law.
Chester Wilkins, known in industry circles as “Massive,” has established himself as a digital strategist and ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) coding expert whose work focuses on empowering artists to succeed in the streaming economy and clarifying music metadata.
It is also reported that Wilkins has extensive experience working with labels such as Def Jam and Jive Records and currently operates LinkQMedia (Know-The-Code LLC), based in Iowa, with a branch in Dominica. His expertise in royalty collection and digital content management helps artists and organizations navigate the complexities of global music distribution.
A certified GS1 Specialist and ISRC Manager since 2007, according to the statement, Wilkins educates creators on safeguarding their intellectual property and monetizing digital content. He has spoken at industry events like the A3C Music Festival, HBCU-NBODC conferences.
Wilkins aims to bridge gaps within the Caribbean music industry, enabling artists from the region to access international markets, protect their work, and achieve sustainable income.
“His mission is to ensure that Caribbean artists can access global platforms, protect their work, and earn sustainable revenue through their craft,” said the statement.
Founded in 1925, the NBA is the oldest and largest professional organization of predominantly Black attorneys and judges in the United States. Its centennial convention will feature a diverse array of programming, including keynote addresses from notable figures such as Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, MSNBC’s Joy-Ann Reid—whose maternal roots are in Guyana—and U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke, a daughter of Jamaican immigrants and president of the Congressional Black Caucus. Clarke will deliver the keynote speech at the Excellence in Tech & IP Awards Luncheon, with sessions addressing artificial intelligence, technology law, civil rights, and social justice.
For Lawrence-Watkins and Wilkins, their participation extends beyond legal and technological discourse; They see it as a moment to proudly showcase their Dominican origins on one of the most prominent stages in the legal and entertainment industries.
“No matter where our careers take us, Dominica is home,” Wilkins expressed.
Lawrence-Watkins added, “This is proof that our island produces global leaders who can compete and innovate at the highest levels.”
Everything they touch turns to GOLD 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾