Firm Formalizes Attorneys of Color and LGBT Affinity Groups; Women's Networking Events Hosted by Firm Coast-to-Coast
LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - November 13, 2008) - Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton
continues to build on its ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives with
the formal launch of firmwide affinity groups for attorneys of color and
LGBT attorneys. The LGBT Attorneys Group is co-chaired by partners Blaine
Templeman and Candace Matson, and the Diversity & Inclusion Attorney
Network for attorneys of color is led by senior associate Miriam
Montesinos, along with co-leaders in each U.S. office.
In addition to these affinity groups, Sheppard Mullin's women attorney
groups meet monthly and continue to hold a variety of regional networking
events for the firm's female attorneys and clients. These most recently
included a night benefiting charity at Sephora in Los Angeles, a "Women
Impressionists" art exhibit at San Francisco's Legion of Honor and a
private shoe sale at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York.
Sheppard Mullin's diversity committee was formed in the early 1990s to
address emerging issues in the legal profession. Partner Dianne Smith, a
member of the Labor and Employment practice group based in the Los Angeles
office, has chaired the firm's diversity efforts since 2003.
In 2007, the committee was restructured to broaden its scope and include
greater firmwide representation at attorney and staff levels. Joining the
firm in inaugural positions last year, Robert Neufeld, as chief talent
officer, and Carol Ross-Burnett, as manager of diversity and inclusion, are
both based in the Los Angeles office. Neufeld leads all of the functions
that affect the associate lifecycle, including diversity and inclusion.
Ross-Burnett manages and supports the firm's existing diversity efforts and
develops new internal and external diversity initiatives.
"Sheppard Mullin embraces and supports diversity. We are thrilled to build
on our long-standing commitment and solid foundation, with the additional
insight and experience that Blaine, Candace and Miriam bring," said Dianne
Smith. "In an increasingly competitive environment where clients demand
diversity and law students insist on it, we have demonstrated vision and
leadership by laying the groundwork for success in attracting and leading
our people."
"After years of addressing LGBT issues in the legal profession and in
organizations at the local and national levels, I am excited to partner
with the other attorneys and professionals at Sheppard Mullin," said
Templeman. "I am impressed with the firm's commitment to diversity and
look forward to helping to expand our firm's recruiting, development and
retention of qualified LGBT attorneys and staff. I am especially excited
by our firm's agreement to work with Lambda Legal as a national sponsor
over the next year."
Templeman, a member of the Corporate and Intellectual Property practice
groups in Sheppard Mullin's New York office and a member of the firm's
diversity committee, joined the firm in September from Heller Ehrman, where
he held LGBT leadership roles. Matson is a member of the firm's Real
Estate, Land Use and Natural Resources practice group and is based in the
Los Angeles office. Montesinos is a member of the Real Estate, Land Use
and Natural Resources practice group in the firm's San Francisco office and
was chair of the diversity committee at her previous firm.
About Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
Sheppard Mullin is a full service AmLaw 100 firm with more than 560
attorneys in 11 offices located throughout California and in New York,
Washington, D.C. and Shanghai. The firm's California offices are located
in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Santa Barbara, Century City,
Orange County, Del Mar Heights and San Diego. Founded in 1927 on the
principle that the firm would succeed only if its attorneys delivered
prompt, high quality and cost-effective legal services, Sheppard Mullin
provides legal counsel to U.S. and international clients. Companies turn
to Sheppard Mullin to handle a full range of corporate and technology
matters, high stakes litigation and complex financial transactions. In the
U.S., the firm's clients include more than half of the Fortune 100
companies. For more information, please visit www.sheppardmullin.com.
Contact Information: CONTACT:
DIANNE SMITH
(213) 617-4265
BLAINE TEMPLEMAN
(212) 332-3854
RALPH RICHARDSON
(213) 617-5542