View the October 2020 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter »
IN FOCUS
Promoting Cross-Cultural Conversations
Project Unity, a collaborative movement based on the faith-driven belief that what unites us is greater than what divides us, encourages the Dallas community to foster transformational relationships through dialogue, community-building events, education, and empowerment. As part of its Together We Can initiative, Project Unity hosts Together We Dine events where total strangers share a meal and engage in courageous and safe conversations about race relations.
Jackson Walker proudly partners with Project Unity to host a series of Together We Dine events beginning October 6 for both attorneys and staff as part of the Firm’s commitment to Listen, Learn, and Engage to create a more inclusive firm for everyone.
To explore this initiative, visit the Project Unity website or read The Dallas Morning News article about Together We Dine
NEWS & NOTES
In the Spotlight // Guiding Future Lawyers
Jamila Brinson contributed to the book Lessons from Successful African American Lawyers: Practical Wisdom for Those on the Path to Lawyerhood, which was published on July 15. In the book, Jamila is featured sharing details about her life and vital lessons learned on the path to becoming an attorney.
“I am a proud first-generation American. My parents were born and raised in Belize, Central America, and came to the United States in their late teens in search of better educational opportunities. I am the first person in my family to graduate from law school. I learned from watching both of my parents and the numerous mentors I had growing up how to make the most of every opportunity, visualize what I would like to achieve, and set step-by-step goals to achieve them, regardless of how long it may take.”
Fast Takes on UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Program
Designed to help members of underrepresented groups in the legal profession, the University of Houston Law Center’s Pre-Law Pipeline Program provides crucial support, including LSAT training, introductory classes, internships, and professional development workshops, to help students become familiar with the processes of getting in and succeeding in law school.
In this podcast, program mentor Luke Gilman joins UHLC’s Law Dean Leonard Baynes and student participant Jordyn Simmons in discussing its mission and the value of attracting diverse talent to law schools. Listen here »
Jackson Walker is a proud supporter of the UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Program. To explore the Firm’s commitment to developing a pipeline of diverse talent through initiatives such as the UHLC program, visit JW.com/Diversity.
Meghan Griffiths on the Challenges Women Leaders Face
Following Senator Kamala Harris’ selection as the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee for the 2020 presidential election, Texas Lawyer spotlighted six women lawyers – including Meghan Griffiths – as they shared challenges that women face today as leaders and what it means to have a seat at the table.
“I’m grateful to be a part of this conversation on the example that Kamala Harris is setting for young girls and women across the country,” Meghan said. “I’ll be even more grateful when the number of women and people of color in the upper echelon of politics, law firm management, and corporate board seats is so commonplace that this is no longer news.”
James McFall on Diversity in Media Law
During a panel event hosted by the Media Law Resource Center (MLRC) Next Generation Committee, James McFall shared his perspective related to diversity, equity, and inclusion issues within media organizations and the media law bar. In addition to James, the discussion included Dino Bovell (Counsel, NBCUniversal) as moderator and fellow panelists Nia Hamm (Reporter, NBC10 Boston), Joe Richburg (Vice President & Associate General Counsel, ViacomCBS), and Rachel Strom (Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP). The panel, entitled “Action & Allyship: A Roadmap for Diversity in Media Law” and held on September 23, 2020, tackled the state of diversity in the media bar and how the legal profession can improve.
Recognizing Achievements
Jackson Walker proudly congratulates the following women and diverse attorneys on their recent notable achievements:
- Allison Allman was named to 360 West Magazine‘s “Top Attorneys 2020” list.
- Jorge Padilla was included in Austin Monthly‘s list of “Austin’s Top Attorneys 2020.”
- Sang Shin was honored with the Asian Pacific Interest Section’s Best Under 40 Award.
- The Best Lawyers in America recognized 37 diverse attorneys as 2021 Best Lawyers—including Susan Mead, who was named Dallas/Fort Worth’s Lawyer of the Year for Land Use/Zoning for the second consecutive year. Congratulations to this year’s diverse Best Lawyers: Barron Bogatto, Amanda Bush, Stephanie Chandler, Priya Coffey, Greta Cowart, Raman Dewan, Linda Donohoe, Elizabeth Freeman, Rick Garza, Luke Gilman, Meghan Griffiths, Nancy W. Hamilton, Willie Hornberger, Suzan Kedron, Kathleen LaValle, Pamela Madere, Julia Mann, Retta Miller, Sarah Mitchell Montgomery, Christopher Mugica, Dana Murphy, Cindy Brotman Nelson, Emilio Nicolas, Jorge Padilla, Vytas Petrulis, Wasif Qureshi, Amy Osberg Roberts, Michelle Rosenblatt, Bruce Ruzinsky, David Schlottman, Sang Shin, Robert Soza, Katherine Staton, Erin Tuggle, April Vasquez Leibman, and Ginger Webber.
- In addition to naming 37 diverse attorneys as 2021 Best Lawyers, the following diverse attorneys were named to the inaugural Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list: Allison Allman, Meredith Brewster, Amanda Crouch, Jackie Wheeler Davis, Judy Garner, Genevieve Graham, Alisha Mehta, Amanda Neinast, Veronica Polnick, Shannon Quine, Gaby Rawlings, Matt Rodriguez, Jessica Schwartz, Jackie Staple, and Austin Thomas.
- Scene in S.A. recognized all practicing attorneys in the San Antonio office in its “Best S.A. Lawyers” list, which comprises 18 women and ethnically diverse attorneys—five of whom were also named “Rising Star Lawyers” (see asterisks). Congratulations, Lindsey Berwick, Art Cavazos*, Stephanie Chandler, Lauren Ciminello, Amanda Crouch, Alexine Friedman*, Josué Galván, Rick Garza, Erica Giese, Ann Leafstedt, Jesse Lotay, Julia Mann, Shari Mao*, Cassie Ross, Leah Smith Sanchez, Robert Soza, Megan Sturm, and Ruth Thomson*!
COMMUNITY IMPACT
- Jamila Brinson, Jennifer Bryant, Luke Gilman, Richard Howell, Mahira Khan, and Valery Piedra are working with the University of Houston Law Center on motions to seal juvenile records. Learn more about JCAP (Juvenile and Children’s Advocacy Project) »
- Luke Gilman was recently appointed to the Executive Committee of the Hispanic Bar Association, serving as Secretary this year.
- On September 1st, Trey McDonald was appointed to the boards for Yellowstone Academy and Yellowstone College Prep, school systems on a single campus in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward.
- James McFall was selected to participate in the Leadership Dallas Class of 2021.
- Effective September 21st, Emilio Nicolas serves as Co-Chair of the Copyrights Subcommittee for the ABA Intellectual Property Litigation Section.
- Leisa Talbert Peschel was installed as the Chair of the State Bar of Texas Intellectual Property Law Section.
- As Board President of the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA), Robert Soza shared the group’s involvement in educating and assisting tenants at risk of eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These materials are made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, do not constitute legal advice, and are not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. The laws of other states and nations may be entirely different from what is described. Your use of these materials does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.
© 2020 Jackson Walker
