Simon Tam found himself thrust into the spotlight when his all-Asian American rock band, The Slants, had a trademark on its name denied because it was considered “disparaging” to Asian Americans. During the presentation, moderated by Deborah Hong and Brian P. Seaman, Tam shared the story of how his trademark battle took him all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, how he unexpectedly became a racial justice activist and how he dedicated his life to helping expand civil liberties for diverse people across the nation. To view the event on demand, click here.

This April, we recognize the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month. We take pride in the contributions made by the Arab community across the nation. Today, our society still experiences anti-Arab racism and prejudices. We must continue to educate ourselves and share information to embrace and uplift our diverse communities.

Danielle Banks spoke with The Legal Intelligencer regarding the Pennsylvania Office of General Counsel’s competitive procurement process for legal work that takes measures to ensure small and diverse law firms have a chance at winning contracts. Read more...

Stradley Ronon Partner Jamie Gershkow moderated the Women in ETFs New York event “Celebrating Women’s History Month: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World” on March 23. The fireside chat discussed the unique challenges facing women in the workforce, the factors impacting or causing these challenges, what this means for the future of diversity and inclusion efforts in the industry, and how to help achieve an equal future in a COVID-19 world. To view the fireside chat, click here.

Stradley Ronon's Chief Diversity Officer and Counsel Brian P. Seaman participated in a roundtable, “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Roundtable: Sharing Perspectives with DEI Leaders,” hosted by the Urban Affairs Coalition and The Main Line Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 25. The DEI Roundtable convenes diversity champions from some of Greater Philadelphia’s largest major employers to build connections, share key initiatives and discuss ways to inspire lasting change. Read more...

 

Stradley Ronon Partner Sara P. Crovitz spoke at the Investment Company Institute (ICI) webinar for law school students of color on Feb. 23. ICI, headquartered in Washington, DC, is the leading association representing regulated funds, including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, globally. The webinar, “Learn About Legal and Compliance Career Opportunities in the Asset Management Industry,” examined the asset management industry, how asset managers serve investors, the range of legal and compliance career opportunities in the industry, and a day in the life of an asset management lawyer.

Stradley Ronon is pleased to announce Matthew R. DiClemente, co-chair of the firm’s investment management group, and Brian P. Seaman, Chief Diversity Officer and counsel at the firm, served as panelists at the Philadelphia Business Journal event, “Diversity and Inclusion in Philadelphia's Financial Industry,” on Feb. 11. DiClemente and Seaman examined the current state of Philadelphia's financial services industry, explored opportunities for growth, and considered how financial firms are tapping into the city's diversity and what more can be done to support local diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Click here to view the Diversity in Action newsletter.

Stradley Ronon Diversity Committee members William Sasso, Danielle Banks and Ellen Rosen Rogoff have been named to Suburban Life Magazine’s “2020 Five-star Attorneys” list. The magazine’s five-part criteria are based upon the attorneys’ practice, activity in state or county bar associations, the continuation of legal education, philanthropic efforts and favorable peer and client reviews.. Read more...

Stradley Ronon Signs the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution’s Diversity Pledge

Stradley Ronon is pleased to announce it has joined members of the legal and corporate community in furthering its commitment to support the inclusion of diverse mediators and arbitrators through the signing of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution’s (CPR) Diversity Commitment. Law firm signatories to the pledge agree to discuss the value of diversity and inclusion among those who mediate and arbitrate client disputes. Read more...

Danielle Banks Presents at the Women in Law Summit Series on Driving Diversity in Law & Leadership

Stradley Ronon is proud to announce Danielle Banks, partner and member of the firm’s Diversity Committee, served as a panelist at the Women in Law Summit Series on Dec. 2. The theme of the summit, “Driving Diversity in Law & Leadership,” explored the obstacles, risks and rewards on the path to a fulfilling and productive career for women and minority leaders. Banks participated in the panel, “From Recruitment to Retention: Attracting and Keeping Diverse Talent,” which discussed how to create a culture of inclusion that goes beyond a diverse workforce. Read more...

Brian Seaman Comments on Proposed Nasdaq Board-Diversity Rule for Listed Companies

In response to Nasdaq’s proposed mandate for increased diversity on boards of directors, Stradley's Chief Diversity Officer Brian Seaman shares his comments regarding how this progressive action can create a truly inclusive environment. 

While nearly all of corporate America has embraced inclusion as a core value, the majority of corporate boards of directors remain overwhelmingly white, male, and straight. This problem can only be solved through sweeping, systemic requirements, like the board diversity rule proposed by Nasdaq. This bold and progressive action is precisely the way that organizations can accelerate the change needed to create a truly inclusive environment.

Being Inclusive About Inclusion—How to Achieve Buy-In From Your Organization

In a special to The Legal Intelligencer, Stradley Ronon Chief Diversity Officer Brian Seaman pens an article about being inclusive about inclusion – how to achieve buy-in from your organization with three simple strategies.

Craig Blackman and Mischa Wheat Publish Article in Route 422 Business Advisor

As COVID-19 continues to reshape businesses and organizations of all sizes, Craig Blackman and Mischa Wheat penned an article in the Rte. 422 Business Advisor Magazine discussing first-party liability insurance.

Stradley Ronon Hosts Virtual Event in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

Stradley Ronon’s Diversity Committee hosted a virtual panel discussion on Oct. 13 with leaders of the Hispanic community, firm attorneys, staff and clients, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Stradley Ronon Diversity Committee members Adriel Garcia, Gabriella Leyhane and Rebecca Rodrigues moderated the conversation with panelists Gisele Fetterman, Pennsylvania’s Second Lady, Renee Garcia, Managing Senior Counsel at PNC Bank, and Sharon Lopez, civil rights attorney at Triquetra Law.

Craig Blackman and Corey Norcross Publish Article in Route 422 Business Advisor

Craig Blackman and Corey Norcross authored an article featured in Route 422 Business Advisor regarding business interruption insurance amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the limits of its coverage for businesses and nonprofit organizations. Look for the article on pages 49-52.

Viewpoint: How to make meaningful change against racism at your organization

Stradley Ronon Chief Diversity Officer Brian Seaman penned an article for the Philadelphia Business Journal. Seaman outlines recommendations to jumpstart your organization’s efforts to combat systemic racism and to ensure that your company’s public statements are the beginning of your antiracism efforts and not the end.  

Remembering Civil Rights Leader and Congressman John Lewis

Stradley Ronon honors the life and legacy of the late Georgia Congressman John Lewis. Lewis was a civil rights champion, who dedicated his life fighting for racial equality and bridging political divides. Lewis advocated alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s and was known as one of the Big Six leaders of the civil rights movement. Lewis was a devoted activist for voting rights, led countless student activists, and developed highly impactful community action programs, among many other accomplishments. Lewis was elected to Atlanta City Council in 1981 and selected as a congressman in 1986. He served for 17 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lewis received numerous awards to honor his life and commitment to change, including the Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian award given in the United States.

John Lewis’ words ring especially true today - "Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet."

Click here to watch John Lewis' remarks at the National Constitution Center, where he received the 2016 Liberty Medal.

Stradley Ronon is proud to announce it is participating in the industrywide Mansfield Rule hosted by Diversity Lab, joining other top law firms across the country to advance diversity at all levels and ensure a level playing field for the next generation of lawyers. As part of the firm’s initiatives, Stradley Ronon will consider at least 30% women, minorities, and LGBTQ lawyers for leadership and governance positions, senior associate and lateral partner openings, equity partnership promotions, pitch opportunities and more. Read more...

Deborah Hong and Cheri R. W. Johnson Honored by The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Awards

Stradley Ronon is pleased to announce Deborah Hong and Cheri R. W. Johnson have been honored by The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Awards. Hong was selected to the list of “Most Effective Dealmakers,” which recognizes attorneys who “get repeat business for how they achieve their clients’ goals so that both sides sign on the dotted lines.” Johnson was selected as a “Lawyer on the Fast Track,” which celebrates outstanding lawyers under 40 and their work in the legal landscape. Read more...

The senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and countless other Black people have left all of us at Stradley outraged and heartbroken over the blatant racism and violence against the Black community. Sadly, the extrajudicial killings and police brutality experienced by the Black community are not new — it is just that these horrific events are now being caught on camera and are impossible to ignore. Read more...

Bennett G. Picker Helped Formulate New Diversity & Inclusion Model Clause Launched by the CPR Institute

Stradley Ronon Senior Counsel Bennett G. Picker served as co-chair of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR) Diversity Task Force Committee, which developed a clause to promote diversity in arbitration. The clause is made available to parties who wish to pre-commit to a diverse panel of neutrals in a future dispute to be resolved by arbitration. Read more...

Stradley Ronon Celebrates International Women’s Day

The firm’s offices across the Mid-Atlantic region celebrated International Women’s Day 2020 on Friday, March 6, by wearing purple to honor women worldwide and embrace women’s equality.

Stradley is committed to promoting equality and the advancement of women in the legal field. We proudly participate in Women’s History Month and applaud the accomplishments of our women attorneys and staff. This March, we will celebrate International Women’s Day by wearing purple as a reminder of women’s equality, and we will host a firmwide event to empower staff at all levels and spotlight our women attorneys and their achievements.

Stradley’s Diversity Committee hosted “Diversity and Inclusion – Balancing the Scales” 

In celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth, Stradley’s Diversity Committee hosted “Diversity and Inclusion – Balancing the Scales” at the firm’s headquarters on Feb. 25. Kristen Gibbons Feden and Cheri Johnson moderated with panelists, including Tasheika Hinson of Vanguard and Lilton Taliaferro of Independence Blue Cross. The panel discussed prioritizing diversity in the workplace and how to cultivate an inclusive culture in the business and legal community. Read more...

Danielle Banks Receives Philadelphia Bar Association’s Prestigious Business Law Section Albert S. Dandridge, III Diversity Award

Stradley Ronon is pleased to announce Danielle Banks received the Albert S. Dandridge, III Diversity Award from the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Business Law Section at a special reception on Feb. 13. Read more...

Elizabeth O’Donoghue Named 2020 Fellow of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity

 

Stradley Ronon Partner Elizabeth O’Donoghue was named a 2020 Fellow of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD). The LCLD Fellows Program is designed to identify, train and advance the next generation of leaders in the legal profession. Read more...

Rebecca Rodrigues Appointed to the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania Board of Directors

On November 13, Rebecca Rodrigues was appointed to the Board of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania (HBAPA) and will also be serving as the Vice President of Communications. Rebecca was also appointed to the Board of the HBAPA Legal Education Fund and will be serving as the Secretary. The HBAPA is a professional organization composed of members of the Bar and law students of Hispanic ancestry as well as other interested persons. The HBAPA was founded to provide a forum for Hispanic and other lawyers who are interested in effecting change in our communities. The HBAPA Legal Education Fund is a non-profit organization that raises money to award financial assistance to Hispanic law students at Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware law schools.

Stradley Ronon Hosts Inclusion Forum For Its Associates and Counsel 

On November 13, 2019, the firm's Diversity Committee hosted an inclusion forum for all associates and counsel. At this forum, nearly forty attorneys addressed questions regarding diversity and inclusion issues and formulated recommendations for best practices. Those issues included what actions the firm could take to make Stradley a truly inclusive environment, how to best encourage all firm attorneys to participate in diversity and inclusion discussions and initiatives, and what actions can be taken to best support attorneys who have a need for leave and who return from leave. The results of this forum - and recommendations for best practices - will be presented to firm management in January 2020.

Chairman William R. Sasso and Partner Deborah Hong Recognized by Philadelphia Business Journal’s Best of the Bar Awards

 

Stradley Ronon Chairman William R. Sasso and Partner Deborah Hong have been recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as recipients of the Best of the Bar Awards. William R. Sasso has been inducted into “Best of the Bar: Hall of Fame” to honor his outstanding 47-year legal career and commitment to making those around him embrace the things that matter most. Deborah Hong was selected as a “Best of the Bar: Philadelphia’s Top Lawyers” recipient in the corporate category for her recent achievements and the impact of her work.

Danielle Banks Named to Lawyers of Color Inaugural Nation's Best List

Stradley Ronon Partner Danielle Banks has been named to the Lawyers of Color’s inaugural Nation’s Best list, which recognizes leading attorneys with a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Lawyers of Color is a nonprofit devoted to promoting diversity in the legal profession and advancing democracy and equality in marginalized communities.

Craig Blackman Co-Chairs and Moderates at National Flood Conference

Stradley Ronon Partner Craig R. Blackman served as an organizing co-chair and moderator for the National Flood Conference from June 2-5 in Washington, DC. Blackman’s panel, entitled, “NFIP Legal Issues” discussed recent trends in National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) litigation, including the status of the litigation from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and the 2016 Louisiana flooding.  

Craig Blackman Moderates Business Insurance America’s Emerging Risks and Innovation Summit

Stradley Ronon Partner Craig R. Blackman served as a moderator for Business Insurance America’s Emerging Risks and Innovation Summit on May 14 in New York. The panel, “Tip of the Iceberg: Proactive Risk Mitigation in the Age of Climate Change,” showcased recent innovations in risk management and underwriting to best protect against the drastic implications of climate change. The panel comprised of Mathew Mampara, Associate Vice President, Dewberry; Robert Petrilli, President, Underwriting Division AmWINS Group, Inc.; and Peter Sousounis, VP and Director of Climate Change Research, AIR Worldwide.

Stradley Ronon Hosts Tribe 12 Annual Fellowship Launch Night

Stradley Ronon recently hosted more than 200 attendees at the 9th Annual Fellowship Launch Night on behalf of Tribe 12 on May 14 in Philadelphia. The Fellows pitched their ventures on stage, and networked with seasoned and up-and-coming entrepreneurs. The Tribe 12 Fellowship is a leadership experience for individuals that are dedicated to personal growth, enriching our communities, and making Judaism their own. Stradley Ronon Partner Craig R. Blackman is a member of the firm’s Diversity Committee, and is a founding member and vice president of Tribe 12.

Stradley Ronon Hosts Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Luncheon

On May 9, 2019, Stradley hosted more than twenty attorneys for the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity luncheon in our Philadelphia office. The agenda focused on personal and organizational goals in hierarchical and team-driven work environments. Attendees included attorneys from PPL, Exelon, Comcast, PNC Bank, TD Bank, Prudential, Cigna, Eli Lilly and Morgan Lewis, and LCLD’s President, Robert Grey.

Kristen Gibbons Feden and Elizabeth Kuschel Named to the 2019 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Classes of Fellows and Pathfinders

Stradley Ronon Associates Kristen Gibbons Feden and Elizabeth Kuschel have been selected to participate in the 2019 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity program as representatives of Stradley Ronon. Ms. Feden was named to the LCLD Fellows, a landmark program created by LCLD to identify, train, and advance the next generation of leaders in the legal profession. Ms. Kuschel was named to the LCLD Pathfinders, a program designed by LCLD to train high-performing, early-career attorneys in critical career development strategies including leadership and the building of professional networks. Since 2013, Stradley Ronon has been an active member of LCLD, a growing organization of more than 300 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners who are personally committed to creating a truly diverse legal profession.

Stradley Ronon and Kristen Gibbons Feden Host Judicial Candidate, Virgil B. Walker

On January 30, 2019, Stradley Ronon Associate Kristen Gibbons Feden had the pleasure of hosting Virgil B. Walker, Candidate for Judge in Montgomery Country Court of Common Pleas in Stradley Ronon's Philadelphia office. Over the course of the night, supporters heard from Ms. Feden, who spoke about Mr. Walker's achievements and qualifications to serve as judge for Montgomery County. 

Shawn Hendricks Appointed to Justice Rising Advocates Committee

On October 16, Shawn Hendricks was appointed to the executive committee of Justice Rising Advocates. JRA – the young professionals’ development organization of Community Legal Services, Inc. – uses substantive, service, and networking opportunities to engage young Philadelphians by broadening their understanding of CLS’s work and why advocacy is crucial to the fight for access to justice for all. 

Stradley Hosts Inclusion Social For All Attorneys

On October 25, 2018, the Stradley Women Attorneys and Stradley Diversity Committee hosted an inclusion social in the café of the Philadelphia Office. The social was one in a series of events designed to encourage the entire firm - attorneys, support staff, and management - to continue in their support of the firm's diversity and inclusion efforts. The next event in the series is the inclusion lunch hosted by associates Elizabeth Kuschel and Chelsea Biemiller. The topic will be their recently published article, "Improving the Discourse Between Women Associates and Their Firms."

Rebecca Cabrera Awarded Scholarship from the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania

On October 17, 2018, the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania awarded Rebecca Cabrera with one of its annual Legal Education Fund scholarships. Ms. Cabrera, a third-year law student at the Charles Widger School of Law at Villanova University, will be joining Stradley Ronon in the fall of 2018 as an associate in the Investment Management department. The Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania Legal Education Fund hopes these scholarships will not only promote the success of Latino law students, but also attract more Latino lawyers to practice in Pennsylvania.

Kristen Gibbons Feden Nationally Recognized for Her Role in the Bill Cosby Trial 

Kristen Gibbons Feden was interviewed and profiled by several media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, CBS and MSNBC discussing her role in the successful prosecution of Bill Cosby and his recent sentencing. These stories cover Ms. Feden's experience as a prosecutor for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office and how she secured a verdict against Bill Cosby.

Elizabeth Kuschel and Chelsea Biemiller Co-Author Article on Improving the Discourse Between Women Associates and Their Firms

Elizabeth Kuschel and Chelsea Biemiller co-authored an article in The Legal Intelligencer regarding the discourse between women associates and their firms. In this article, they discuss the need for more women associates to make equity partner and the ways women can better achieve this goal. To read the article, click here.

Kristen Gibbons Feden Delivers Keynote Address at Victim Rights Law Center Gala 

Kristen Gibbons Feden served as the keynote speaker at the Victim Rights Law Center’s 2018 Shining Star Gala. Ms. Feden, the special prosecutor in Bill Cosby’s sexual assault re-trial and recent conviction, also received the leadership award. All proceeds go toward advancing the mission of VRLC:  to provide free, comprehensive legal services for survivors of sexual violence to help them rebuild their lives, and promote a national movement committed to seeking justice for each and every rape and sexual assault victim.

Gretchen Santamour Speaks at Annual Celebration for the Education Law Center

On September 28, 2018, Gretchen Santamour spoke at the Education Law Center’s Annual Celebration. The celebration raised funds to support ELC’s mission to ensure access to a quality public education for all children in Pennsylvania. Ms. Santamour currently serves as president of the ELC board and is committed to executing the organization’s mission for quality public education.

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