bold moves. bold c hange .
Bo l d m ov es . Bo l d c h a n g e . D I V E R S I T Y & I N C L U S I O N NE WSLET TER
btlaw.com
1
D EC EM BER 2 016 A L L I N
Bold Moves. BOld CHange.
I
don’t play poker - at least not with any level of success. But I know that when a player bets all of their remaining chips during a single hand, he or she is considered to be “all in.” By definition, going “all in” is an incredibly bold move, because it means the player has committed all they have. It signifies their total commitment and confidence in their hand. We call our diversity and inclusion newsletter “All In” and for this installment, we’ve themed it “Bold Moves. Bold Change.” because unlike any other time in our firm’s history, Barnes & Thornburg is making bold, deliberate moves to effect bold, lasting change on the diversity and inclusion front. The recent creation of an executivelevel Director of Diversity, Professional Development and Inclusion position, and then naming me to that role, is a prime example.
Bottom line, as the title of our newsletter reflects, we are “all in” relative to diversity and inclusion here at Barnes & Thornburg because we are totally committed to the betterment of our firm for the benefit of our clients and all of our legal talent. And we have an amazing story to tell. Some of it is featured in this edition of “All In,” including a candid interview with firm “To be ‘bold’ means managing partner and co-chair to make moves ‘beyond of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Bob Grand, about the usual limits of the purposeful alignment of conventional thought or diversity and inclusion with the business of this firm. action’; to be ‘courageous,
Dawn R. Rosemond, Partner, Director of Diversity, Professional Development and Inclusion
Specifically, to be “bold” means to make moves “beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action”; to be “courageous, forward-thinking, enterprising.” Barnes & Thornburg has been making strides in the right direction for years relative to its diversity and inclusion efforts. As a result (and just by way of example), four women and one Hispanic now sit on the firm’s management committee. Our firm general counsel is female. Further, women and minorities can be found throughout our department and practice group leadership. Thus, when considering how to strengthen the firm’s diversity and inclusion platform in this ever-changing global market, “conventional thought or action” supported simply staying the course because, technically, we are doing “good.” “Good” however, is the enemy of “best.” Since being our
2
best self for our legal talent and for our clients is the ultimate goal, firm management looked within and empowered me to lead the charge, a partner since 2005 and 21-year firm veteran, who, not too long ago, was just a little black girl from Fort Wayne, Indiana, being raised by a single mom, who only dreamed of being a lawyer at a place like Barnes & Thornburg. And talk about “bold moves and bold change” – my promotion in 2005, when diversity and inclusion was not “popular,” marks the first promotion of an African-American female from associate to partner by a firm in the state of Indiana.
forward-thinking, We will continue to boldly tell our story. And we will enterprising.’” continue to boldly create our story through the increasing dedication of resources, creative programming and focused strategic initiatives -- because with a hand like ours, the more than 600 amazing legal professionals and nearly 400 staff that make up “Team Barnes & Thornburg” and the wonderful clients we have the privilege of serving across the country and abroad, being “all in” is the only way to go. Be bold!!
bold moves. bold c hange .
Bold Leadership Q&A With Firm Managing Partner, Bob Grand Destination for Talent: Diversity of Thought and Backgrounds There are countless quotes and sayings about the importance of the attitude of a leader as it relates to the success (or lack thereof), of who he or she is leading. “Attitude reflects leadership.” – Remember the Titans. “The people’s capacity to achieve is determined by their leader’s ability to empower.” – John C. Maxwell. “Not the cry, but the flight of a wild duck, leads the flock to fly and follow.” – Chinese Proverb. They are all true. Firm Managing Partner Bob Grand understands this, in particular with regard to the firm’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. Plainly, diversity and inclusion reflects one of the firm’s (and Bob’s) long-standing core values. Accordingly, it is an integral part of his approach to managing this AmLaw100 firm. We recently caught up with Bob to chat about diversity and inclusion as it relates to the firm and beyond. Here is some of what he had to say: What “bold moves” have been made on the diversity and inclusion front? We have taken very deliberate steps to bolster our diversity and inclusion efforts, starting with the creation of open forums where lawyers and staff can have open and honest discussions about diversity issues that are important to them. Establishing an executive-level diversity and inclusion director position was also a very deliberate, bold move. Additionally, we have continually increased our allocation of resources toward diversity and inclusion initiatives and are more aggressive in recruiting diverse legal talent, particularly at the partner level. Why is it important to focus on diversity and inclusion efforts? We are very action oriented as a firm, and our approach to diversity and inclusion is no different. We aim to align the business of diversity with the business of the firm and send a clear message, both internally and externally, that diversity and inclusion contribute directly to our business goals and top-line revenue and, most importantly, are qualities that are valued by firm leadership, attorneys at all levels and our clients. We are continuing to evolve with the modern workforce where the assembly
“Barnes & Thornburg is truly ’all in’ when it comes to diversity and inclusion and will continue to be a trailblazer...”
of diverse, engaged teams yields higher levels of employee satisfaction. Having a diverse set of attorneys makes us better as a firm since our distinct experiences and viewpoints lead us to better solutions, better service and a better work environment. Hiring, training, empowering and promoting diverse talent is smart business. Why did the firm formally create the position of Director of Diversity, Professional Development and Inclusion? We have had a Diversity and Inclusion Committee for some time which, with active involvement of partners and other staff, has produced tremendous results. In order to stay ahead of the market and better anticipate and address the needs of our ever-increasing ranks of diverse talent, the management committee decided it was time to have a dedicated executive spearheading the effort, especially as clients pay close attention to the equality and diversity of the law firms they hire. Dawn Rosemond was the obvious choice to help lead us in this important area. What does diversity and inclusion mean to Barnes & Thornburg? Barnes & Thornburg is truly “all in” when it comes to diversity and inclusion and will continue to be a trailblazer in this regard. We have created a distinctive, inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered, and that translates to better client service and satisfaction. We strive to be the go-to choice for legal professionals from all backgrounds and putting them in the best positions to succeed by creating deliberate mentorship/sponsorship for everyone; and promoting our diverse talent to leadership positions within our firm, from the management committee to department and practice group chairs. Recruiting efforts will continue to be focused on the hiring of more diverse talent and our firm budget will reflect diversity as a high priority. Industry rankings and accolades are great, but when we talk about diversity here at the firm, it is on a much larger and more comprehensive scale. We are aggressive in our goal-setting, and when we achieve them, the entire firm wins.
btlaw.com
3
D EC EM BER 2 016 A L L I N
Bold OUTREACH Barnes & Thornburg Sponsors 8th Annual Don Hubert Scholars Program Mock Trial Competition for 150 Chicago Area High School Males Barnes & Thornburg LLP and Mentor Teacher Brother, Inc. (MTB), the hallmark community development initiative of Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc., held the 8th Annual Don Hubert Scholars Program Mock Trial Competition on Nov. 18. Hosted at Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office, the event introduced 150 minority male teenagers to the legal profession with a one-day mock trial competition, guest speaker presentations and a reception. Lindsey Dates of the Chicago office founded the event, remains an active member of MTB through Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. and chaired this year’s event. “This program introduces students to the legal profession,” Lindsey said. “From personal experience, I’m pretty sure that I didn’t meet a lawyer for the first time until I went to law school, and I had no idea what it was like to practice law. Many of these students share a similar story and the mock trial experience helps shed a positive light on the legal profession.”
During the mock trial competition, students are divided into five-person teams and are assigned to represent either the plaintiff or defendant. The students try the entire case, from opening and closing statements and direct and cross examinations of witnesses to objections and motions (i.e., everything attorneys do in “real” trials). “Programs like this are important for high school students,” Lindsey added. “I’d like to see more of them, and believe they should not be limited to the legal profession. You never know what will strike a chord with a young person, whether its business, medicine or other fields.” With local attorneys serving as coaches and local judges assigned to score the teams, the mock trial competition has achieved significant prominence through the participation of local legal luminaries. “Every time we host this event, it makes me very proud to be an attorney,” Lindsey said. “I’m inspired to see how hard the students and volunteers work with each other throughout the day.”
Pictured: mock trial participants and volunteers; top left and bottom left (center): Litigation Department Chair Bill McErlean and Chicago Office Managing Partner Mark Rust of Barnes & Thornburg; bottom right: Lindsey Dates of Barnes & Thornburg
4
bold moves. bold c hange . Attorneys Co-Chair Lambda Legal Annual Benefit Ken Inskeep and Steve Thornton of the Indianapolis office were among the co-chairs of this year’s Lambda Legal Indiana Benefit on Sept. 16 at the Indianapolis Central Library. Lambda Legal is the oldest national nonprofit dedicated to advancing civil rights for LGBT people and persons impacted by HIV. Don Thomas and John Fischer of the Indianapolis office served as a member of the host committee for the benefit that drew more than 250 supporters. Ann Grayson, Don Lundberg, Ron Miller, Jeff Barron and Steve Badger of Barnes & Thornburg’s Indianapolis office also attended.
Conference Attendance Leads to Pro Bono Engagements | By Ron Miller Editor’s note: Ron Miller is of counsel in the Indianapolis office of Barnes & Thornburg. Ron serves as professional responsibility counsel to the firm and focuses on various legal ethics and conflict matters.
Ken Inskeep
At the event, Lambda Legal presented Steve Thornton the NCAA with the 2016 Corporate Leadership Award for raising awareness and promoting the message of dignity and equality for all – in sports as well as in schools and cities across America. Chris Paulsen was honored with the 2016 Individual Leadership Award for her work as the campaign manager for Freedom Indiana, as president of Indiana Equality Action, and in continued efforts to defend advancements and secure protections for LGBT Hoosiers.
Byczko Appointed to Indianapolis-Marion County Building Authority Board of Trustees Caitlyn Byczko recently accepted an appointment from Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett to the Indianapolis-Marion County Building Authority Board of Trustees. The Building Authority is an independent municipal corporation whose purpose is to serve the needs of local government in acquiring, financing, Caitlyn Byczko constructing and managing building projects of a substantial nature. This appointment makes Caitlyn the only female on an otherwise all male board.
as well as suicide rates far higher than the population at large. The statistics are even more alarming when only the transgender populations are considered.
A few conversations with Theo led to my colleague, Cari Earlier this summer, I attended the 2016 Transgender Sheehan of the Indianapolis office, and me agreeing Health Conference with my wife. The conference was to assist Indiana Legal Services with pro bono cases, sponsored by the Indiana Transgender Wellness Alliance, primarily focusing on transgender individuals of limited Indiana Internal Medicine Consultants, means who need basic services such Indiana University School of Medicine and as name changes and gender marker “The Low-Income Eskenazi Health. Our registration for the changes. In that context, Cari and I were LGBT Project is a conference came after learning our 14-yearexcited to be able to provide support statewide direct old child identified as a transgender male. to a Transgender Name and Gender service program that Marker Change event sponsored by As we sought more information about what being transgender meant, our primary targets public benefits, Indiana Legal Services and hosted by the McKinney School of Law on Nov. 12. care physician suggested we speak to Dr. employment, personal IU This event, which was co-sponsored by Bill Buffie, a tireless LGBT advocate in the safety, healthcare, the law school’s Lambda Legal Society, Indianapolis medical community. Dr. Buffie is involved a dozen law students meeting identity documents an internal medicine physician at Franciscan with transgender individuals needing Health Indianapolis and serves as CEO of and discrimination for name and/or gender marker changes. Indiana Internal Medicine Consultants. members of the LGBT The students conducted intake interviews Attendance at the conference led to my and collected information about legal community. ” introduction to Theo Ciccarelli Cornetta, who services that were needed, as well as heads Indiana Legal Services’ Low-Income LGBT Project, income and demographic information. In total, the event which is a statewide direct service program that addresses served 63 transgender individuals seeking legal help. public benefits, employment, personal safety, healthcare, While Cari and I did some direct intake interviews with identity documents and discrimination for members of individuals, we also answered general legal questions the LGBT community. The statistics for this population of during the event and assisted the ILS attorneys supervise individuals is a stark reminder that we collectively have the clinical aspects of the event. a long road ahead of us. Consider, for example, that While the event was a complete success, this is such an there is a sixfold increase in anxiety/depressive disorders, underserved population and there is much more work to with an eightfold increase in suicide attempts by gay be done. The Lambda Law co-president at IU McKinney teens. LGBT youth are excessively represented in the teen hopes to host another similar event in the spring. In homeless population (25-30 percent), have a 58 percent the meantime, Cari and I plan to take on the pro bono incidence of being sexually assaulted, an 86 percent representation of some of these individuals and continue incidence of being verbally abused and ridiculed, a 44 our budding partnership with the dedicated legal staff at percent incidence of being physically abused at school, Indiana Legal Services.
btlaw.com
5
D EC EM BER 2 016 A L L I N
Bold Appreciation Annual Program Honors Former Partner Shirley Shideler Barnes & Thornburg honored its late partner Shirley Shideler and Indiana’s trailblazing women lawyers during its second annual event in the Indianapolis office on Sept. 7. The event was co-hosted by the Indiana Bar Foundation. In September 1964, Shirley became the first female associate at Barnes & Thornburg and in 1971 became the first woman to be named a partner in a large Indiana law firm. Two prominent female lawyers were honored this year: Kristin G. Fruehwald, retired partner of Barnes & Thornburg, who was Shirley’s mentee and the first female president of the Indianapolis Bar Association, and Lauren K. Robel, provost at Indiana University-Bloomington, executive vice president of Indiana University and former dean of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, who was honored for being the first female dean. The honorees are pictured with Nick Kile of the Indianapolis office, who founded the firm’s Shirley Shideler awards reception.
Rep. Kelly Keynotes Barnes & Thornburg’s Seventh Annual Celebration of Diversity Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office held its Seventh Annual Celebration of Diversity dinner on Aug. 24 at the University Club of Chicago. The Honorable Robin L. Kelly, U.S. House of Representatives representing Illinois’ 2nd District, delivered the keynote address. “We were honored to have Rep. Kelly as our keynote speaker at the Seventh Annual Celebration of Diversity dinner and awards ceremony,” said Richard Boykin, partner in the Chicago and Washington, D.C., offices of Barnes & Thornburg and creator of this event. “Rep. Kelly’s speech highlighted the importance of continual improvement toward full inclusion of women and minorities in all aspects of employment. Her own personal career as a public servant is a testament to the progress of diversity in the workplace.” The awards dinner recognized four Chicago business and legal leaders who have exhibited a personal and professional commitment to diversity, justice and civil rights: Janice Block, chief administrative and legal officer, Kaplan Inc.; Jodi Caro, general counsel and corporate secretary, ULTA Beauty; the Honorable Joy Cunningham, Illinois Appellate Court, First Division; and M. Faiyaz Hussain, senior counsel, global law department, Baxter Healthcare Corporation.
Left to right: Chicago Office Managing Partner Mark Rust, Firm Managing Partner Bob Grand, Rep. Robin L. Kelly and Richard Boykin of the Chicago office
Celebration of DIversity Honorees, from left to right: Jodi Caro, M. Faiyaz Hussain, Janice Block and The Hon. Joy Cunningham
“Barnes & Thornburg recognizes that a commitment to diversity requires action and that diversity makes us all stronger,” said Mark Rust, managing partner of the Chicago office of Barnes & Thornburg. “While the Chicago business community has taken important steps to incorporate diversity initiatives within places of work, we believe we can always work on more creative approaches to honoring and furthering the diversity effort in our professional culture. Barnes & Thornburg is pleased to honor trailblazers in the Chicago business community who have promoted diversity through their accomplishments.” Kristen Fruehwald with Nick Kile
6
Lauren Robel with Nick Kile
Barnes & Thornburg’s Celebration of Diversity also united the more than 150 leaders from the legal and business communities in attendance, including Cook County judges, attorneys and business executives from
bold moves. bold c hange . a variety of corporations and nonprofit organizations. Micah Materre of WGN-TV served as emcee and Rev. William E. Crowder, Jr. senior pastor of Park Manor Christian Church, offered the invocation. Sponsors of the event were: Chatham Business Association; Constellation Brands Beer Division; Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce; and The Chicago Lighthouse.
Cummins General Counsel Receives Barnes & Thornburg’s Hi Tech Woman of the Year Award Barnes & Thornburg presented its Hi Tech Woman of the Year Award to Sharon Barner, vice president and general counsel at Cummins, Inc., at the Women & Hi Tech Leading Lights Awards gala on Oct. 6. Barner was honored for rising steadily to the top of the ranks in a heavily male-dominated career path. “Barnes & Thornburg created the Hi Tech Woman of the Year award to recognize a woman who has risen in her profession, broken down barriers for women in science, technology, engineering and math, and inspires us all,” said Deborah Pollack-Milgate, a partner with Barnes & Thornburg and Women & Hi Tech board member, who gave out the award. “We are honored to present the award to Sharon, to recognize her achievements in the field of intellectual property and in public service, and to thank her for motivating women with her story of persistence.” With more than 30 years of experience in the legal profession, Sharon has spent most of her career practicing intellectual property law. Prior to joining Cummins to oversee its legal matters on a global basis, she led the intellectual law department at a large law firm and served in the U.S. government as Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). She has won numerous awards and accolades, including having been named one of the 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America by the National Law Journal in 2008.
Cleary Hosts Monthly NAWBO Breakfast Each month, members of the Atlanta chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) gather in Barnes & Thornburg’s Atlanta office for a business discussion over breakfast. Kara Cleary of the Atlanta office has been involved with NAWBO for the past three years. “I enjoy attending the NAWBO forums because I make Kara Cleary connections with female business owners across a variety of sectors,” Cleary said. “The discussions are very informative and there is a strong sense of support and sincere willingness for all to succeed.”
Bold Empowerment Franklin College Students Participate in Diversity Discussion in Indianapolis Office On Nov. 1, firm Director of Diversity, Professional Development and Inclusion Dawn Rosemond hosted six Franklin College Aspire Scholars to discuss Barnes & Thornburg, the importance of diversity and how to get into the legal profession. Brian Burdick, Ann Grayson, Bill Padgett, Rubin Pusha and Ladene Mendoza of the Indianapolis office also met with the students and participated in a roundtable discussion during the visit.
For more than a decade, Barnes & Thornburg has presented the Hi Tech Woman of the Year award biennially to a woman who has excelled in her field at a level unsurpassed by her peers.
Bold Support Attorneys Support Business Leadership Network Chuck Schultz and Jonathan Froemel of the Chicago office provide pro bono representation to the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN), a group that partners corporations with individuals with disabilities to promote disability inclusion in the workplace. During USBLN’s annual meeting, Theresa Jakubowski of the Washington, D.C., office presented and Barnes & Thornburg was a sponsor for the awards banquet in September in Orlando.
Top left: Rubin Pusha (right) with a Franklin College student. Bottom left: Indianapolis Office Managing Partner Brian Burdick with Dawn Rosemond (right). Right: Dawn Rosemond (front right) with Franklin College students.
btlaw.com
7
D EC EM BER 2 016 A L L I N Victory Fund Celebrates 25 Years Barnes & Thornburg was a sponsor of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund annual brunch on Sept. 18 in Chicago. Jill Fortney, Fred Andes, Laura Luisi, Jason Wallace and Eli Korer of the Chicago office attended the event; Laura is a member of the Victory Fund Campaign Board. The Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBT Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBT officials at all levels of government.
Attorneys Attend Lavender Law Annual Meeting John Fischer of the Indianapolis office presented on cyber risk insurance coverage from the policyholder perspective at the inaugural John Fischer Laura Luisi Beth Davis Insurance Law Institute at the National LGBT Law Association’s Lavender Law Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 6. Attendees included both policyholder-side and insurer-side coverage counsel and insurance defense counsel. John gave an overview of the types of data security risks policyholders face; the types of cyber risk insurance available to cover those risks (and the limitations and exclusions typical to that insurance); and the potential availability of coverage for cyber risks under other policies typically in a policyholder’s portfolio (general liability, property, crime, and E&O/D&O). The firm was also represented at Lavender Law by Beth Davis and Laura Luisi.
The event brought together individuals interested in issues that uniquely affect Latinos. Attendees discussed some of the upcoming initiatives for the Hoosier Latino community, including planning a CLE event during next year’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations to help showcase the rich history of Hispanics.
Past and present IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law Hispanic Law Society presidents. Ladene Mendoza of Barnes & Thornburg pictured front right.
“Programs like this are important because they allow attorneys in the Indianapolis community who have a passion for helping the Hoosier Latino community prosper to come together and create real opportunities and events that make a lasting impact,” Ladene said. “The event was a success because it introduced me to other attorneys and legal professionals in the Indianapolis community who share a similar interest in working with the Latino community.”
Bold Programming
Bold Engagement
Attorneys, Staff Look Beyond Gender Norms
Networking Event Leads Way for Positive Change
During the Columbus Metropolitan Club (CMC) forum on Aug. 31, Laing Akers, Kelly Atkinson, Bill Nolan and Kathie Skamfer of the Columbus office hosted friends of the firm for a program entitled “Looking Beyond Gender Norms,” which featured the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio (WFCO). CMC is a local organization that brings the community together to discuss important and relevant topics every week. Kelly serves on the CMC’s board of directors and introduced the program and speakers to the 400 attendees. The forum featured a panel, including WFCO president Nichole Dunn, releasing findings from a study on gender norms and the roll-out of a Gender Norms Tool Kit, of which the firm is a collaborative sponsor. As part of that ongoing collaborative sponsorship, Barnes & Thornburg will convene conversations on the topic of gender norms in the workplace to raise awareness around limiting them.
Indiana State Bar Association’s Latino Affairs Committee and Young Lawyers Section hosted a networking event in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Ladene Mendoza of the Indianapolis office attended the event on Oct. 6 held at the City Market in Indianapolis. Ladene is a member of the Latino Affairs Committee, which aims to serve the legal profession, its members, and their communities through career development opportunities, community service initiatives and promotion to ensure equal access to justice. “Being involved in a diverse committee is a great opportunity for us to learn from each other while impacting the community in a positive way,” she said. “At the networking event, members were reminded to provide support, awareness, and continued growth for diversity
8
and inclusion initiatives. The committee is actively trying to provide resources and services to the legal profession and the community through career development opportunities and community service initiatives.”
bold moves. bold c hange . Volpe Leads CLE Focused on Women Attorneys in the News Trisha Volpe of the Minneapolis office, along with Bob McNaney, senior vice president of crisis/critical issues at PadillaCRT, led a CLE entitled “Women Attorneys in the News: Understanding and Engaging with the Media” on Sept. 12 in the firm’s Minneapolis office. The program provided practical tools to assist women attorneys to communicate effectively and strategically in front of any Trisha Volpe of Barnes & Thornburg audience while navigating unique ethical issues lawyers face when engaging with the news media. Connie Lahn, Tina Syring, Mary Sennes, Sarah Evenson and Kelsey Fuller of the Minneapolis office attended.
Bold Sponsorship Attorneys Attend National Convention of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association John Meyers and Kiyo Kojima of the Atlanta office and Mark Kittaka of the Fort Wayne office attended the 2016 National Convention of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) in San Diego on Nov. 3-5. More than 1,500 Asian-Pacific law firm
Thompson Recognized: Leadership Institute Graduate Katrina Thompson of the Columbus office was recognized on Sept. 15 as a graduate of the Ohio Women’s Bar Foundation’s (OWBF) 2015-2016 Leadership Institute at OWBF’s annual Leadership Luncheon. The institute brings together women lawyers from across the state for a series of programs to develop leadership skills. Adrienne Pietropaolo of the Columbus office is a previous graduate.
attorneys, in-house counsel, judges and law students attended. At the event, NAPABA partnered with the National Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (NAPALSA) to host a national law student conference to assist the next generation of Asian Pacific American lawyers develop the skills and relationships necessary to succeed and thrive in this challenging profession. This is the fifth consecutive year the firm has been a sponsor of this conference. Barnes & Thornburg is proud to be one of the founding supporters for NAPABA’s Indiana affiliate, the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Indiana, Inc. (APABA-IN). APABA-IN was incorporated in September 2014 and Mark is one of its original board members.
Women Step Out in Style for Dress for Success On Sept. 9, Angela Wessler of the Indianapolis office hosted a table at the 14th Annual Stepping Out in Style event. This event is the main fundraiser for Dress for Success Indianapolis, an organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Kyra Wagoner and Annette England of the Indianapolis office also attended. The firm also sponsored the event. Sherri Massa of the Indianapolis office is on the organization’s board of directors and also attended, along with Jennifer Whitley and Andrea Strapulos of the Indianapolis office. Also in support of Dress for Success, Laing Akers and Bill Nolan of the Columbus office represented the firm at the Ohio Women’s Bar Association (OWBA) Dress for Success Happy Hour on Aug. 3. The firm sponsored the event capping off the OWBA’s campaign to support Dress for Success Columbus.
Mark Kittaka of Barnes & Thornburg (far left) and John Meyers of Barnes & Thornburg (third from right) are pictured here with members of NAPABA
btlaw.com
9
D EC EM BER 2 016 A L L I N Firm Sponsors 2016 Hispanic Heritage Month Annual Luncheon For the second year in a row, Barnes & Thornburg was a table sponsor at the Indiana Latino Institute’s Hispanic Heritage Month Annual Luncheon Celebration. The event took place on Sept. 1 in Indianapolis and celebrated the rich culture, heritage, diversity, contributions and influences that Latinos provide not only to the state of Indiana, but to our nation as a whole. Chris Felts and Ladene Mendoza of the Indianapolis office attended, along with members from the Immigrant Welcome Center and students from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Edward James Olmos, a Golden Globe- and Emmy Award-winning actor, who is most known for his roles in Stand and Deliver, Miami Vice, Battlestar Galactica, and Selena, was the keynote speaker. Financial support to the Indiana Latino Institute helps serve the Indiana Latino Community by providing health and educational programming, scholarships, and advocacy on important issues affecting the Latino population.
Bold Recruiting Welcome to the following attorneys who are adding to the firm’s growth and diversity:
Anne Marie Carson, Corporate, Associate, Grand Rapids
Kathleen Fennessy, Intellectual Property, Associate, Indianapolis
Chris Fowlkes, Litigation, Partner, Minneapolis
Kailey Grant, Real Estate, Associate, Chicago
Sandra Ko, Litigation, Of Counsel, Los Angeles
Lademe Mendoza, Litigation, Associate, Indianapolis
Leah Seigel, Litigation, Associate, Indianapolis
10
Heidi Fessler, Litigation, Of Counsel, Minneapolis
Taylor Hunter, Labor and Employment, Staff Attorney, Indianapolis
Lydia Barbash-Riley, Environmental, Associate, Grand Rapids
Megan Weaver, Litigation, Associate, Chicago
bold moves. bold c hange . Our Commitment A true dedication to diversity requires action. That is why, at Barnes & Thornburg, the business of diversity is purposefully aligned with the business of the firm. Through deliberate programming, engaged sponsorship and the continual internal and external investment of time, talent and resources, we are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive, respectful, and open culture made up of accomplished individuals of all backgrounds. Bottom line, Barnes &Thornburg is “all in� when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Hiring, training, empowering and promoting diverse talent is smart business. It is what we do at Barnes & Thornburg. And we will continue to aggressively set goals to that end, because when we achieve them, the entire firm, our clients and the communities we serve win.
Our Mission To hire great talent from all backgrounds and then work together as a team to create an environment of inclusion that fosters retention, training, promotion and empowerment, such that all are positioned to win.
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee collaborates to improve diversity and increase growth opportunities for legal professionals and staff firmwide. Co-chairpersons: Bob Grand Dawn Rosemond MEMBERS AT LARGE: Leasa Anderson Edward Ayoob Steve Badger Alicia Raines Barrs Kara Cleary Lindsey Dates Beth Davis Michael DeLargy Angela Freeman
Jeanine Gozdecki Steve Hernandez Jeffrey Hopper Ken Inskeep Karoline Jackson Nick Kile Mark Kittaka Sarah Kuhny Naomi Kwang Connie Lahn Denise Lazar Rachel Lerman Alan Levin Laura Luisi
Melanie Mawema Paul Olszowka William Padgett David Paragas Tony Prather James Robinson Laurie Rompala Alice Springer Lisa Starks Jennifer Stocker Katrina Thompson Steve Thornton Heather Willey
btlaw.com
11