At BakerHostetler, we embrace diversity as essential to the conduct of business in today s world and welcome people of all backgrounds to our firm.

Transcription

1 Leading by example

2 Contents 02 Diversity Facts 04 Rachel Smith 06 Ron Okada 08 Rodger Eckelberry 10 Jeremy Atencio 12 Lisa Pennington 14 Fernando Bohorquez Jr. 16 Lauren Resnick 18 Joe Chairez 20 Jeanine Conley 22 José Feliciano 24 Rob Webb 26 Greg Ulmer At BakerHostetler, we embrace diversity as essential to the conduct of business in today s world and welcome people of all backgrounds to our firm. We recruit and develop diverse lawyers because we know it promotes the best in community, depth and leadership. And as you will see in these pages, we are excited to tell their stories.

3 At BakerHostetler, we embrace diversity as essential to the conduct of business in today s world and welcome people of all backgrounds to our firm. We recruit and develop diverse lawyers because we know it promotes the best in community, depth and leadership. And as you will see in these pages, we are excited to tell their stories.

4 Diversity Facts Half of our new hires have been women or minorities since 1999 We jumped 20 spots to #32 on MultiCultural Law magazine s 2012 Top Law Firms for Women We have awarded more than $2 million in scholarships and clerkships to minority law students in the last 15 years In 2012, we were among the Greater Cleveland Partnership s Commission 50 Members are recognized annually for progress in creating, enhancing and sustaining diversity and inclusion strategies We are actively involved in 12 leading national legal diversity organizations Paul D. White Scholarship Program In tribute to Paul D. White, the firm s first minority partner and a pioneer for minorities in the legal profession, a scholarship was created to provide minority law students with valuable experience early in their careers. The Paul D. White Scholarship is awarded annually to law students of Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Asian, American Indian, or Alaska Native descent. The scholarship includes a paid summer clerkship and a $7,500 cash award. A member of 2012 s partnership class, Houston attorney Rachel Smith became the firm s first Paul D. White Scholar to be elected partner. Diversity Fellowship Program BakerHostetler actively recruits candidates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to foster an inclusive workplace. As part of this long-standing commitment to attracting top candidates with diverse backgrounds, the firm established a Diversity Fellowship Program in 2009, which provides up to a $25,000 award. Supporting Military Service We recognize the sacrifice and service that our veterans, active military and reservist employees make. Our policies and procedures are designed to make transitions to and from serving their country as seamless as possible. 7 8

5 From a summer scholarship to a thriving career Rachel Smith Employment Litigation Partner When younger associates reach out to Rachel Smith for guidance, they know they re talking to someone who s been there. A Paul White Scholar with two summer internships at the firm, Rachel went on to build a thriving practice as an employment litigator. She chose BakerHostetler for a number of excellent reasons. She knew there were plenty of women before her who had made partner. She knew a commitment to family would be respected. And her personal experience proved the firm s commitment to diversity went beyond mere lip service. Now, having become a partner herself in 2012 the first Paul White Scholar to do so Rachel is the lawyer those younger associates look up to. She was appointed by the mayor of Houston to a three-year term as commissioner on the City of Houston s Municipal Employees Civil Service Commission. She founded a networking and support group for women lawyers with children. And, yes, her employment litigation practice is doing just fine. As an example to women, mothers, diverse candidates and lawyers of every stripe, Rachel Smith demonstrates to be sure what diversity initiatives are supposed to be about. Having had the opportunity to intern in the office headed by the first woman managing partner of an Am Law l00 law firm in Houston and she happened to be a mom I was convinced this would be a great place for me to pursue similar professional and personal goals. 9

6 It s not a surprise that when attorneys come to BakerHostetler, they re here to stay. The firm makes good on its promise to preserve a collegial atmosphere while providing the kind of challenging work that promotes individual growth. The variety of perspectives and experiences that make up our team is what makes us effective counsel. The chance to lead, right from the start Ron Okada Partner-in-Charge, Chicago Office, Professional Development Partner, Firm Wide Hiring Partner and Diversity Committee Chair Ron Okada didn t see himself in a leadership role when he started with BakerHostetler as a summer associate in He was simply excited by the opportunity to build strong relationships both within and outside the firm while working on sophisticated, challenging work full time. But several partners recognized his potential and welcomed his eagerness to jump in with both feet. Many of the matters he handled early on were for leading clients. Every project was important, giving Ron the chance to demonstrate his skill as a litigator. It wasn t long before Paul Eyre, Cleveland office litigation coordinator at the time, and Cleveland office Managing Partner Ken Snyder encouraged Ron to become involved with firm management. As Paul s assistant coordinator, Ron interacted with the other practice leaders, increasing his visibility firm wide as a talented leader. As a result, Ron was given the opportunity to serve as the Cleveland office litigation coordinator and as a member of the Policy Committee. Ron remained on firm management s radar and gladly accepted the offer to open the Chicago office in As Partner-in-Charge, Ron has been able to draw on his deep roots with the firm to successfully grow the office in the new market. Looking back, he realizes now that the gut feeling he had as a young associate that he would be challenged but comfortable at BakerHostetler was telling him more than he ever could have anticipated as an attorney just starting out. Now as Professional Development Partner, Firm Wide Hiring Partner and Diversity Committee Chair, Ron works hard to identify great potential leaders at the next level. He s proud to be formally charged with maintaining the firm s culture of support but knows firsthand that the best mentoring is often informal. The attorneys here were willing to show him the ropes and help him develop professionally. It s why he never left and never looked back. 12

7 Visible veteran leadership since the firm s founding Rodger Eckelberry Class Action Partner I f you ve served in the military, you know that it takes everyone to accomplish the mission. BakerHostetler s support for veteran leadership goes all the way back to the firm s inception, when co-founder Newton D. Baker made the difficult decision to take a leave of absence only two months after founding the firm and accept President Woodrow Wilson s request to serve as Secretary of War during World War I. Since then, veterans working at the firm have been visible leaders, demonstrating a keen awareness that it truly takes a team to provide first-rate service to clients and community. With a practice that focuses primarily on class action defense and complex litigation, Rodger Eckelberry spearheads creative strategies, bringing in cross-practice support to achieve success for his clients. After serving for nine years in the U.S. Navy, including service in the Gulf War and subsequently serving as the Administration and Legal Department head of the U.S. Military Prison in Philadelphia, Rodger attended law school in Cincinnati and came to BakerHostetler as a summer associate in 13 the Columbus office. Now a partner, he has found his commitment to a firm that honors a tradition of military service especially meaningful. And he wants to extend that support to new associates and staff members. With unemployment especially high among veterans, Rodger is engaged in efforts to recruit men and women who have served our country. He believes they can find a home in a firm deeply rooted in our nation s military history. Rodger continues to raise money both within and outside the firm for the Resurrecting Lives Foundation. The nonprofit assists in the recovery and reintegration of the country s Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom veterans with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. As a board member, Rodger echoes the foundation s mission to advocate for our returning heroes and their families within the firm.

8 True to his roots Jeremy Atencio Transactions Partner I didn t want to stray from my roots. It was a priority that may not have been valued at another firm. But BakerHostetler practices what it preaches and has continued to support me and others who add value by adding diversity. He may work in the big city, but Jeremy Atencio is never far from his small town roots. Not that he had far to move. BakerHostetler s Denver office keeps him close to his hometown in rural Colorado, even as he forges a successful career in business law covering a range of matters from mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and private offerings to corporate governance. Imbued with a strong work ethic and an equally strong sense of community, Jeremy has felt right at home with the firm ever since his days as a summer clerk. A national firm with a local presence, BakerHostetler has exposed him to a wide range of opportunities and relationships while encouraging his impulses toward community service and diversity-related activities. In his three years on the office s Diversity Committee, Jeremy has helped to institute an ongoing speakers series to address the daily challenges faced by diverse attorneys, while also playing an essential role in establishing the office s mentoring program pairing associates with partners to meet and compare notes on a regular basis. Outside the office, Jeremy serves on the board of directors for One Colorado, a statewide advocacy organization for LGBT Coloradans and their families. He also sits on the Community College of Aurora Foundation Board. 16

9 The firm has made the balance of having a life of achievement and personal fulfillment attainable. It s what makes you happy to go home at the end of the day and happy to start work again the next. More important, it s what allows you to put your best foot forward and effectively navigate the inevitable highs and lows any demanding career will introduce to your life. A champion for women in the legal profession Lisa Pennington Managing Partner, Houston Office Lisa Pennington is the first female managing partner in Houston. She served on the firm s Policy Committee for two terms and for six years served as the coordinator of the Houston Labor and Employment practice. All while raising three children and maintaining both an active employment practice and robust civic engagement calendar. She s a shining example of what it means to have it all, but if you ask Lisa, she ll tell you she couldn t have done it without the firm s support. When she graduated from law school in 1983, the reality for women in the legal profession was lackluster. With few women in leadership positions, Lisa had no role models until she arrived at BakerHostetler 25 years ago. She was introduced to Betty Southard Murphy. At the time Betty was head of the firm s Employment and Labor Group, a member of the Policy Committee, and a mom with two 17 kids. Their friendship changed everything for Lisa. Betty encouraged Lisa to establish the Houston office s Labor and Employment practice, a move that would prove to the firm Lisa had the right judgment to be a leader and the skills to be a team player. Inspired by Betty s lifetime of achievement, Lisa set her sights high. Her own contributions to the legal profession were recognized last year by Houston s Association of Women Attorneys. Lisa was the inaugural recipient of the organization s Premier Woman in the Law Award. Twelve highly accomplished women, all managing partners of their respective Am Law 100 firms Houston offices, were considered for the award. In selecting Lisa, the association cited her contributions as a founding member of the Center for Women in Law and commended her for the leadership and inspiration she demonstrated as the first female managing partner in Houston.

10 Answering the call to public service Fernando Bohorquez Jr. New York Community Outreach Initiative Co-Chair The innovative and interesting thing about BakerHostetler was not so much its stated commitment to pro bono after all most if not all law firms say they do as much rather, it is how the firm expressed that commitment, by allowing me the autonomy to answer my personal call to public service in a way that has redounded to both my own and the firm s benefit a hundredfold. In the early days of the New York office, attorney number 12 and one of its first associates, Fernando Bohorquez Jr., had a conversation with an employee from Document Services at the office holiday party that Fernando would not soon forget. The man had come to this country from El Salvador with his wife, his son and little else. And in Fernando a first-generation Colombian immigrant he found someone to whom he could relate and he said: I m proud of you. To see a Latino like you, on the other side, we are all proud of you. I am going to bring my son to the office and introduce him to you and say, Look at this young man. He looks like you. His skin is brown like yours. He speaks English and horrible Spanish just like you. He is the son of immigrants, just like you. And he s a lawyer. You see son, you too can be a lawyer one day. Much of Fernando s legal career has been shaped by that moment. It instilled within him a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the community in general and to aspiring minority attorneys in particular. The firm s commitment to diversity, mentorship, pro bono and community service mirrors Fernando s own and has supported him in every endeavor. While consistently working on some of the largest litigations in the New York office in the last 10 years, Fernando has risen through the associate ranks to become a leader both within and outside the firm. Today, Fernando now a partner is cochair of the New York office s Community Outreach Initiative, a plan to align the firm s diversity, pro bono and corporate nonprofit partnerships with its overall business development strategy. Fernando has served on numerous boards, donating his time and energy to multiple nonprofits, whether helping to build a better pipeline for aspiring Latino law students (LatinoJustice PRLDEF), working on bringing the arts to underserved city school kids (Limon Dance Foundation) or helping to develop the next generation of young urban civic leaders (Council of Urban Professionals, CUP). He has served as the chair of the NYSBA Committee on Civil Rights and chair of the American Constitution Society NY chapter; mentored dozens of high school, college and law school aspiring lawyers; and been recognized as a CUP Catalyst for Change in Law and Top Under 40 by the Hispanic National Bar Association. His pro bono work ranges from advocating on behalf of immigrants in removal proceedings to representing the NYC public advocate in the stop-and-frisk litigation. His commitment to public service extends to the political sphere, as well. He has served as administrator for the NY County Democratic Party Judicial Selection Panel, organized hundreds of minority attorneys and law students in national Latino voter protection efforts, and been deeply involved in political campaigns for a number of emerging progressive minority leaders at the city, state and national levels. In Fernando, the call to public service is an unusually strong one and BakerHostetler has supported him from day one. 20

11 A new brand of leadership Lauren Resnick Firm Wide Business Development Partner, Policy Committee Member and New York Office Administrative Partner While Lauren Resnick prides herself as a high-stakes trial lawyer and trusted advisor to C-suite executives on sensitive investigative matters, it is her role in firm management that has especially distinguished her career at BakerHostetler. As one of a growing number of women who have risen to upper management positions in major law firms, Lauren enjoys being a role model and mentor to young women coming up through the ranks. What these young lawyers see in Lauren is a successful woman with three kids who has achieved the kind of work-life perspective to which they aspire, at a firm that encourages such balance at every stage of their careers. Lauren views BakerHostetler as a true meritocracy that welcomes the fresh perspective and judgment she brings to the table. Even with no previous experience in business administration, she knew she was working for a firm that recognized her talents and was prepared to nurture them. Having joined the New York team nearly 11 years ago after a decade as a federal criminal prosecutor, Lauren understood that she was in an excellent position to affect the trajectory of this expanding, entrepreneurial office. With the encouragement of senior managers across the firm, she proceeded to do exactly that. Now, as a member of the Policy Committee, the New York office s Administrative Partner and the newly appointed firm wide Business Development Partner, Lauren is a major contributor to BakerHostetler s strategic direction. She is also a member of the firm wide Women s Committee and the New York office Hiring Committee, which puts her in an ideal position to advance the next generation of talented and diverse leadership at the firm. But her love of the law remains a priority, as she continues to maintain a thriving white collar and government investigations practice. The visibility of women in leadership roles at the firm adds distinction to our culture. It s a tangible demonstration that we are all part of a team where collaboration is valued. The only way to stay fresh is to stay engaged. The firm motivates its lawyers to make professional decisions that boost confidence and realize success. That has a huge impact on the way our attorneys, especially women, present themselves to clients and ultimately represent the firm. 21

12 Talking about the law gives you credibility. You can leverage that power to do good in the community. When you take an immigrant from Mexico who s made it and put him in a school in an underserved community, those kids, who have probably never met a lawyer before, look at you and think If he can achieve his dreams, I can too. Setting an example, one mountain at a time Joe Chairez Litigation Partner When Joe Chairez makes an example of himself, he makes sure it s a memorable one. Four years ago, he made a 10-day trek to the top of Africa s Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for the El Viento Foundation, an organization that reflects his commitment to providing opportunities for young adults in underserved communities. At 19,341 feet in the air, it was a powerful expression of what it means to achieve your goals. As a lawyer, Joe feels a special responsibility to help young adults become active and responsible citizens. Through Teenage Legal 23 Survival Skills, a program he initiated in 2007, when he served as the first Hispanic president of the Orange County Bar Association, he s encouraged more than 8,500 teens to think about how the law will affect their daily lives as adults. He s a credible resource, and BakerHostetler has given him a strong platform on which to stand. A top 50 Orange County Super Lawyer and leader for the Costa Mesa office s hard-hitting litigation team, Joe inspires young adults not only to set goals, but also to set them high.

13 Building a diverse attorney base, from the ground up Jeanine Conley New York Office Hiring Partner for Summer and Fall Recruitment and Community Outreach Initiative Co-Chair Individual attorneys play a critical role in initiating and sustaining change within our organizations, and it s my job to help build a diverse associate base one that embodies the message that the firm values everyone for who they are and the perspectives they contribute. Through her interactions with both young associates and firm leadership, Jeanine Conley is exposed to a variety of experiences. It gives her a chance to observe what others truly bring to the table, from the top down. And it s convinced Jeanine that the firm s diversity and community outreach efforts are especially successful when our attorneys work together. In fact, BakerHostetler s spirit of inclusiveness has fostered Jeanine s own professional achievements. With support from the firm, particularly the opportunity to work on substantive cases and trials early on in her career, Jeanine became confident she selected a firm where her perspective was valued. She tries to provide that mentorship and those same opportunities to the associates with whom she works on a daily basis. Initially intrigued by the lawyers on the legal dramas her mother would watch when she was young, Jeanine s perception of law has changed considerably since then. Beyond the glamour of the courtroom has been the chance to effect significant change in the world. It s inspired her to work with young women interested in pursuing legal careers. As an advisory board member and former chair for the Urban Assembly School for Criminal Justice, Jeanine, with the firm s support, sponsors a professional women s speaker series, exposing young women to a variety of different professions and the kind of work they can do with a legal degree. She has also served on the board of the Association of Black Women Attorneys, an organization dedicated to the professional and personal development of black women attorneys, for over five years and served as the organization s president and vice president from 2008 to She has also served on the board of Legal Momentum, the nation s oldest legal defense and education fund dedicated to advancing the rights of all women and girls, for several years and currently chairs the New York City Bar s Minorities in the Profession Committee. 26

14 Building strong community ties José Feliciano Litigation Partner From rural Puerto Rico to making history in Cleveland as the first Hispanic public official, José Feliciano knows what it takes to stay the course and set the bar high. It s what s inspired him to enjoy an impressive career in both the public and private sectors, while maintaining a deep commitment to advancing the Hispanic community in Northeast Ohio. After serving as a public defender and subsequently as Cleveland s chief prosecuting attorney under Mayor George Voinovich, José s public career culminated in 1984 with his selection as a White House Fellow by President Ronald Reagan. With a growing family to think about, José pursued a career in the private sector but didn t want to sacrifice his dedication to civic engagement. At BakerHostetler, he didn t have to. Heeding its own history, the firm has encouraged José s passion for public service. The commitment of BakerHostetler s founding partners to the city precedes their dedication to the firm. Newton D. Baker was a former mayor, and other founding partners played key roles in his administration. José has had a lot on his plate, but with the firm s support, he s been able to meet the daily challenges that kind of ambition brings. He is the founder and chairman of the Hispanic Roundtable, former chairman of the Hispanic Leadership Development Program, founder and former president of the Hispanic Community Forum, and a founder and former vice president of the Ohio Hispanic Bar Association. He also served on the Board of Governors and was elected four times nationally to the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association (ABA). Additionally, he served on the ABA s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary, which evaluates every person nominated by the president for any federal judgeship in the U.S., including those nominated to the Supreme Court. And he was president of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. He accomplished all this while participating as a first chair litigator in more than 70 civil and criminal jury trials to verdict in his 37 years as a trial lawyer. His community service and professional success have made him a role model in the Puerto Rican community. It s a responsibility José doesn t take lightly. As a minority professional, José continues to work hard building stronger ties between the firm and the city s diverse population. BakerHostetler has always allowed me to pursue my desire to be both a community and business leader. When I transitioned into the private sector, my choice was clear. The firm s reputation for civic engagement meant I could have a rewarding career while still fulfilling my passion for community service. 27

15 G reat diversity policies are one thing, but if you feel unwelcome, they really don t matter. Small gestures make a big impact Rob Webb Orlando Office Business Development Leader Orlando office Business Development Leader Rob Webb distinctly remembers attending a holiday party early on in his career with the firm. While it was an ordinary gathering for some, it was a significant moment for Rob: his partner Stan Whittington s name appeared on a BakerHostetler name tag, an acknowledgment of support for his nontraditional relationship. Rob and Stan have been together for 27 years and were married in Washington, D.C., in In the 25 years Rob has been with the firm, he s observed a commitment to diversity that respects his choice to be private but removes the stigma that makes that choice necessary. While he may have lost clients over it, Rob is proud to be identified as a gay man who is a partner, and so is the firm. But he doesn t take for granted the security and comfort that comes from not having to hide who he is, noting that BakerHostetler has for many years been ahead of the curve in fostering an inclusive environment. Now the Business Development Leader for a growing office, Rob illustrates what one can achieve with the firm s backing. In 2000 he decided to pursue an opportunity as a timeshare developer, walking away from a more than $3.5 million practice. He returned a year later to take up where he left off, with the firm s encouragement, and has regrown his practice as well as the practices of several other firm lawyers. The firm s unwavering support has given Rob the confidence to openly make strides both professionally and personally, proving that the firm s commitment to make all employees feel welcome isn t just pretense. He lives that mission, and the firm supports him every day. 30

16 Rising through the ranks, one case at a time Greg Ulmer Product Liability and Toxic Tort Practice Chair Greg Ulmer was a fourth-year associate when he walked through the doors of BakerHostetler s Houston office in A national footprint and a comprehensive platform were the right mix of ingredients to help Greg to grow his practice. But Greg knew BakerHostetler offered more than a name to attract clients. He could easily see people at the firm benefited enormously from the firm s commitment to excellence in legal service. It meant opportunity for both attorneys and clients alike. To Greg, the kind of firm that worked hard to provide its clients with creative solutions was the kind of firm that encouraged its attorneys to think outside the box. Greg hit the ground running. He remembers early on in his career Litigation Group Chair Ray Whitman asking him to fly to L.A. and take depositions for a class action involving Shell. The request reflected what Greg already knew about the firm: that he could count on frequent opportunities to get practical and real experience. He continued to try cases for major clients as a young attorney, staking his reputation as a top-notch litigator on work he could call his own. This wholehearted encouragement to rise through the ranks was not something he likely would have encountered at another firm. Now he represents Caterpillar, one of the firm s largest clients, in product liability cases that come up in the Southwest. Having done it himself, Greg pushes the office s new associates to take the bull by the horns and make the best of the opportunities that come their way. It s the kind of thing that builds on itself, he tells them. You learn by maneuvering the obstacles and coming out ahead; it sets you up to be a leader. Whom I work for has made and continues to have the biggest impact on my work at the firm. They trust me to get the job done. That kind of encouragement and support brings out the best in you. 31

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18 bakerlaw.com One of the nation s largest law firms, BakerHostetler helps clients around the world to address their most complex and critical business and regulatory issues. With five core national practice groups business, employment, intellectual property, litigation, and tax the firm has nearly 900 lawyers located in 14 offices coast to coast. 2014