Stradley Ronon has successfully achieved Mansfield Certification status for the 2023-2024 evaluation period, achieving this recognition for the fourth consecutive year. Read more...
Stradley Ronon partner Deborah Hong has been selected as the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania (APABA-PA)’s 2024 Attorney of the Year. Read more...
Stradley Ronon is reaffirming our longstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by participating in Diversity Lab’s Mansfield recertification program for 2024-25. Since joining Mansfield three years ago, our firm has joined a robust legal community focused on increasing transparency and accessibility for diverse talent in the industry and ensuring equitable opportunities for advancement.
Partner and Chief Diversity Officer Brian Seaman helped to orchestrate the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD)’s 2024 Alumni Leadership Symposium, which recently took place in Boston. The event gathered hundreds of lawyers from across the United States for educational sessions and career development opportunities. Brian is vice chair of LCLD’s Leadership Symposium Committee, a part of the LCLD Alumni Executive Council, and will chair next year’s Symposium.
Stradley Ronon partner Danielle Banks has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Award in recognition of her career-long dedication to advancing women and diverse lawyers in the legal profession. Danielle is set to be officially recognized at the association’s summer quarterly meeting on June 20 in Philadelphia. Read more....
Stradley Ronon Chief Operating Officer Marissa Parker and Chief Diversity Officer Brian Seaman have been selected to serve on Law360’s legal industry and diversity and inclusion editorial advisory boards, respectively.
Editorial advisory board members are leaders in their fields who comment on industry trends and current issues to help inform the legal publication’s coverage. Read more...
Michael Tang has been named the winner of the the Diversity Initiative category as part of The Legal Intelligencer‘s 2024 Pennsylvania Legal Awards. This award recognizes lawyers who made a significant contribution to diversity and inclusion efforts in the Pennsylvania legal community. Read more...
Stradley Ronon partner Nicole Stover has been named by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) as a 2024 Fellow and associate Katherine Durr was named as a 2024 Pathfinder. Read more...
Stradley Ronon associate Linsay Sobers has been recognized by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) as one of its first Atlas Award winners. The inaugural awards honor LCLD Fellows and Pathfinders who have shown the highest levels of engagement and dedication to their respective programs. Read More...
Our Asian Pacific American Engagement Group is expanding its leadership team! Jin Park will join as the group’s co-chair alongside Michael Tang. We look forward to seeing the Asian Pacific American Engagement Group grow under their leadership.
Stradley Ronon is proud to announce that the firm has successfully achieved Mansfield Certification status for the 2022-2023 evaluation period. The certification was created by Diversity Lab to determine if leadership in law firms and legal departments reflects the diversity of the workforce and society as a whole. This is the third year in a row that Stradley Ronon has been certified, highlighting the firm’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal field. Read more...
We are excited to celebrate and amplify this month in various ways, from internal tapas and trivia events across our offices to a firm-hosted fundraiser, led by Stradley Ronon’s Hispanic and Latin Engagement Group, HOLA and their co-chairs, Associate Nancy Fisher (right) and Administrative Assistant Diana Mendez (left). Read more...
Stradley Ronon is pleased to announce that Partner and Chief Diversity Officer Brian P. Seaman was named to the Alumni Executive Council of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. Seaman will serve as the leadership symposium committee vice-chair for LCLD, assisting with the coordination of its annual conference, which offers educational sessions, career development opportunities and engaging networking events for early and mid-career attorneys at member organizations.
Partner Joe Nguyen was a recipient of the Diversity in Business Awards from the Philadelphia Business Journal. The Diversity in Business Awards recognize diverse business leaders who have demonstrated success in their respective fields and through philanthropic endeavors. Read more...
Our Queer and Allies Engagement Group (Q&A), led by co-chairs Evan Poulgrain and Mercury Winberg, takes pride in building a culture of belonging where people can be their authentic selves. We’re proud to support and embrace our LGBTQ+ families, colleagues and community.
Stradley Ronon is pleased to announce that Partner Kenneth C. Wang is the recipient of a 2023 “Emerging Leaders” Award by The M&A Advisor, a leading professional development organization and information service for the mergers and acquisitions industry. Wang was chosen among hundreds of applicants for the award by an independent judging panel of peers.
To commemorate the holiday, Stradley Ronon’s Black Stradlians United resource group will be celebrating the history and culture of Juneteenth at the African American Museum in Philadelphia’s Block Party. Learn more about Juneteenth here.
Stradley Ronon’s Asian Pacific American (APA) Engagement Group, led by its chair Michael Tang, toured Philadelphia’s Chinatown in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Our lawyers and guests took in the sights and spirit of this community through an on-the-street food experience. From visiting the historic Friendship Gate and learning about traditional Asian architectural style to trying various foods from several regions of Asia, our APA group immersed themselves in this rich culture.
Stradley Ronon is pleased to announce that seven lawyers have been named winners of The Legal Intelligencer’s 2023 Professional Excellence Awards, which celebrates outstanding achievements and professional success across the Pennsylvania legal community. Read more...
Stradley Ronon Partners David Grim, Jamie Gershkow and Brian Seaman discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in the asset management industry and share practical tips on how to build a more inclusive environment in your organization. Listen here.
On March 8, our panelists presented on The C.R.O.W.N. Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair). During this CLE, the panelists illuminated the issue of hair discrimination and legal protection before state and local C.R.O.W.N. Acts; discussed the impact of the proposed federal, state, and local C.R.O.W.N. Acts; and identified best practices for organizations and individuals to create an environment inclusive of all hair styles and appearances. Learn more...
Stradley Ronon was proud to support and sponsor The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Paradigm Award, which is held annually during Women's History Month to recognize a businesswoman whose outstanding achievements serve as a model for success Stradley Ronon congratulates 2023 Paradigm Awardee Joan Waters, CEO of COFCO, and all of the 2023 Scholarship Award recipients! Pictured are members of the firm with this year’s 2023 Amoore Scholarship Recipient, Adama Jawara.
Stradley Ronon Attends Annual MLK Day Breakfast
(Shown from left to right: Chanelle Jones, Reginald Streater, Pat Afriyie, Briana Hammons and Terence Jones (Associate at Stradley Ronon)
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Stradley Ronon attended the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia breakfast to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event recognized attorneys and judges who have made significant contributions to the Greater Philadelphia region.
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On September 22-23, 2023, the firm attended the 13th Annual LCLD Membership Meeting at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C. This year's meeting celebrated the culmination of LCLD's Leaders’ Pledge campaign and launched the next phase of Leaders at the Front: Transforming Tomorrow, with speakers including Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture, and Kenji Yoshino, best selling author and Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU School of Law.
Stradley Ronon is pleased to announce Partner Danielle Banks has been appointed Diversity Chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association. Banks will serve a ÂÂÂÂ1-year term, which began on January 5, 2023. Read more...
Stradley Ronon is pleased to announce the firm has been recognized as a Compass Award winner by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD). The Compass Award recognizes those law firms and corporations demonstrating a strong and unique commitment to building more diverse organizations and a more inclusive legal profession. Read more...
Stradley Ronon is proud to announce that the firm has successfully achieved Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification status from Diversity Lab, a recognition awarded to more than 180 leading law firms nationwide. This achievement highlights the firm’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal field. Read more...
Nancy Fisher and Adriel Garcia contributed an article to Reuters Legal for Hispanic Heritage Month about the origins and evolution of the terms Hispanic, Latino and other identifiers and the importance of these terms to law firm inclusivity efforts. Read the article here.
Join us for this conversation between gay rights pioneer Mark Segal, and Stradley Ronon’s esteemed executive director Gillian Facher. Mark and Gillian will discuss their intertwined histories, their perspectives on LGBT+ progress, and how they both disrupted the status quo simply by being who they are. Read more...
The Supreme Court recently issued a landmark decision in the matter of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health. This decision has upended nearly 50 years of doctrine concerning a constitutional right to privacy and the right to reproductive health. David S. Cohen, professor at Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, unpacked the language used in the Dobbs opinion, explained the legal arguments made by both the majority and minority justices, and explored the potential implications for other constitutional law cases where the majority opinion was tethered to a constitutional right to privacy.
In a contributed article for The Legal Intelligencer, Chief Diversity Officer and Counsel Brian Seaman and Legal and DEI Intern Kashae Garland offer practical and fairly simple ways for a firm to ensure that a single leader can advocate and recognize all communities. Read the article here.
In a featured Q&A, Lawrence Stadulis was spotlighted in the American Bar Association’s Commission on Disability Rights. The ABA Lawyer Spotlight is a feature that highlights an attorney with a disability who is an asset to the profession. Read the article here.
Cameron Redfern and Brian Seaman Present ‘Promoting Inclusivity for Queer Employees’ in Celebration of Pride Month
Stradley Ronon is pleased to announce that litigation attorneys and members of the firm’s Diversity Committee, Cameron Redfern and Brian Seaman, presented a CLE program “Promoting Inclusivity for Queer Employees,” on June 15 at the firm. The event, which was hosted in-person and virtually, focused on making conversations surrounding queer identity and inclusivity more accessible, and provided insight into fundamental issues. Click here for replay.
Michael Tang talks about how his Asian American heritage is shaped by his family, the influence of the APA lawyers at the firm and how the food in Asian culture brings people together.
In celebration of Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month, Stradley Ronon’s Diversity Committee and APA Engagement Group partnered with Macquarie Group’s multicultural employee network group Unity to present a CLE program on May 25, “Asian Pop: Understanding Influences and Overcoming Biases in the Legal Profession,” that featured a conversation with Emmy award-winning television journalist Nydia Han and author, screenwriter and cultural critic Jeff Yang. The Replay is not eligible for CLE credit. Read more...
Stradley Ronon is pleased to announce that Michael Tang, a structured finance associate and member of the firm’s business department, has been elected to the board of directors of RSVP. RSVP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable populations in the local greater Philadelphia community by focusing on education and wellness and supporting nonprofits through skill-based volunteer programs. RSVP’s 1,200 volunteers in Montgomery, Chester, Delaware Counties and Philadelphia, PA, serve over 11.000 community members each year. Read more...
Partner Deborah Hong was featured on a special 6abc Visions show dedicated to Asian American Pacific Islanders Heritage Month about barriers to career advancements for Asian American professionals. Watch Deborah around the 2:07-minute mark.
Stradley Ronon was proud to sponsor The Ali Forney Center’s “A Place at the Table” annual gala event, which took place on Friday, May 13. The event raises funds for AFC’s shelter and housing programs, one of the largest organizations dedicated to helping homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
Stradley Ronon is proud to announce that the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) selected Dean Krishna as a Fellow in LCLD’s landmark Fellows Program. This Program is designed for diverse junior partners who have demonstrated leadership throughout community impact and commitment to equity and inclusion. In addition, Gabriella Leyhane and Cameron Redfern have been selected for the organization’s Pathfinder Program. The Pathfinder Program is designed for junior associates who have a passion and dedication to building diverse professional networks, developing foundational leadership skills, and understanding career development strategies. Read more...
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Stradley Ronon is pleased to announce that litigation attorneys and members of the firm’s Diversity Committee,
Cameron Redfern and
Brian Seaman, presented “Promoting Inclusivity for Queer Employees – A Guide for Management and Coworkers” to the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) of Greater Philadelphia on April 5.
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Stradley Ronon Partner Jamie Gershkow Joined Women in ETFs to Ring Bell for Gender Equality at NYSE
Jamie Gershkow (right) and Tanya Habibian (ETF Product Manager at Capital Group and Co-Head of Events and Education for the New York Chapter of Women in ETFs). As we enter Women’s History Month, Stradley Ronon is committed to our continued work with Women in ETFs in 2022 as a proud sponsor. Women in ETFs is a global, non-profit organization seeking to bring together people across the ETF industry to champion equality, diversity and inclusion, honor the achievements of women in the industry, and invest in the ETF community. Attorneys Jamie Gershkow and Miranda Sturgis serve on Women in ETFs' New York and Philadelphia chapter leadership teams.
Celebrating Black History Month
Celebrating Black history doesn’t begin and end with February, but as we continue our D&I journey, let us continue to learn from our past, create and inspire change and build a more equitable future for all. We invite you to join our commitment to elevate African-American and Black voices this month and every month.
Stradley Ronon Chief Diversity Officer and Counsel Brian P. Seaman pens article for Reuters Legal News: "How client surveys are moving the DEI needle at law firms." Read more...
Congratulations to Danielle Banks, honored by Savoy Magazine as one of the 2022 Most Influential Black Lawyers in the country. Danielle is an accomplished employment and labor partner, a committed member of the Philadelphia community and a known leader in the legal field. Read more...
Celebrating Black history doesn’t begin and end with February, but as we continue our D&I journey, let us continue to learn from our past, create and inspire change and build a more equitable future for all. We invite you to join our commitment to elevate African-American and Black voices this month and every month.
Chief Diversity Officer and Counsel Brian P. Seaman shares three easy ways to disrupt bias in your hiring process with Reuters Legal. Read more...
If cancel culture is designed to combat and avoid abusive behavior and to renegotiate the boundaries of acceptable speech and behavior in our society, is it working? That’s the question Stradley’s Chief Diversity Officer Brian Seaman discusses in his recent contributed article to The Legal Intelligencer. Brian shares a noncombative solution to advance inclusion and equity in a responsible and thoughtful way.
Stradley Ronon celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which is held annually each October to pay tribute to the contributions made by people with disabilities to America’s workplaces, economy and communities. The firm recognizes the value and importance lawyers with disabilities contribute to the legal profession and our clients, not just during the month-long celebration but all year.
Stradley Ronon is proud to announce that the firm has successfully achieved Mansfield Rule 4.0 Certification status from Diversity Lab among 118 leading law firms. This achievement highlights the firm’s ongoing commitment to boost the representation of historically underrepresented lawyers in leadership positions of the legal profession. The certified firms have completed a rigorous 12-month collaboration with built-in measurement, transparency and accountability. As reported by Diversity Lab, “each firm has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and is making meaningful progress on diversifying law firm leadership.” Read more...
Stradley Ronon is proud to announce Mark R. Greer has been selected by Crain’s Chicago Business to its 2021 Notable Rising Stars in Law list. This distinguished award recognizes individuals for their success and accomplishments during the last 12 to 18 months. Read more...
Stradley Ronon Partner Deborah Hong has been selected to the Philadelphia Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee. The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee's mission is to build an M&A community that both supports and affords equitable opportunities for inclusion to source deals, build networks and grow careers for racially and ethnically diverse deal professionals in the Greater Philadelphia region. Read more....
Stradley Ronon Diversity Committee member Craig R. Blackman served an organizing co-chair and moderator at the National Flood Conference from June 28-30, 2021. Read more...
Stradley Ronon Chief Diversity Officer Brian Seaman pens an article for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia's Perspective: "How can employers support LGBTQ+ professionals in the workplace, not just during Pride Month, but all year long?" Read more...
Our firm remains committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within and beyond the legal profession. Stradley Ronon is proud to release the next edition of “Diversity in Action.” In this issue, we highlight an organization closing the employment gap for neurodiverse individuals, explore the Pride flag’s evolution and share a peek into the latest happenings and achievements at the firm. We are also pleased to unveil the winner of the firm’s 2021 Diversity Fellowship. Read more...
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...
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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.
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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.
Kristen Gibbons Feden Praised by Andrea Constand for Work in Cosby Trial
Kristen Gibbons Feden was lauded by Andrea Constand in an impact statement made after a verdict was secured in the Bill Cosby Trial. Ms. Constand thanked Ms. Feden for her perseverance throughout the trial and her passion for justice for victims of sexual assault.
Deb Hong Receives Most Powerful & Influential Women of Philadelphia Award
Deb Hong was recently recognized with the Most Powerful & Influential Women of Philadelphia Award at the 9th Annual Philadelphia Diversity & Leadership Conference on September 6. This annual event is held to educate and create local dialogue on diversity and inclusion and to celebrate the wide array of differences in our communities.
Dean Krishna Joins Stradley's Tax Practice Group
Dean Krishna, who focuses his practice on domestic and international income tax matters, has joined Stradley’s Philadelphia office as counsel from Dechert. Mr. Krishna advises on U.S. and international mergers and acquisitions, acquisition financing, syndicated lending arrangements, securities offerings, structured finance transactions, business restructurings, and general domestic and cross-border tax planning.
Ellen Rosen Rogoff Authors Article on Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Ellen Rosen Rogoff authored an article in Recruiting Trends & Talent Tech detailing how to limit workplace age discrimination claims and retain older workers. Her article discusses methods to promote age equality such as managerial training, diverse employee task forces and training sessions for new procedures and technologies.
Cheri Johnson Appointed to DiverseForce Board Development Cohort
Cheri Johnson was named to DiverseForce’s 2018-2019 board development cohort. Ms. Johnson is an associate at Stradley in the Investment Management department, and serves on the diversity committee. DiverseForce specifically trains mid- to senior-level professionals of color on the ins and outs of nonprofit board leadership over seven months and are matched with board placement opportunities at the end of the program.
Craig Blackman Co-Chairs and Moderates 2018 National Flood Conference
Craig Blackman served as organizing co-chair and moderator at the National Flood Conference. His panel discussed national flood claims issues and lessons learned from the 2016 and 2017 hurricane seasons. Craig is a nationally recognized authority on the National Flood Insurance Program, and focuses his practice on a variety of insurance industry issues.
2019 Summer Associate Chris Hirokawa Awarded Diversity Scholarship
Second to right: Christopher J. Hirokawa
Stradley Ronon and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania announced Temple University Beasley School of Law student Christopher J. Hirokawa as the recipient of the 2019 Stradley/APABA-PA Diversity Scholarship. Hirokawa will join the firm as a summer associate in May 2019, splitting his time between Stradley Ronon and firm client Macquarie Investment Management, a global asset manager headquartered in Philadelphia. In addition to the paid summer associate position, Mr. Hirokawa will receive a $5,000 scholarship.
Craig Blackman Co-Presents on Cyber Threats and Basic Security at Convocation 2018
Craig Blackman co-presented at Convocation 2018 in Minneapolis. Craig, and his co-presenter Jana Landon, spoke about cyber threats and basic security for religious institutions. Their presentation detailed how to identity and quantify cyber incidents, build a cost-effective management plan and evaluate cyber insurance to cover any potential losses.
Kristen Gibbons Feden Discusses Child Protection Laws at NALS Conference
On June 4, 2018, Kristen Gibbons Feden presented at the NALS Pennsylvania Annual Conference discussing global child abuse and the need for local solutions. She explained the need for laws that protect children and adults against perpetrators and the role local law enforcement and advocacy agencies play to further protect children.
Mark Greer Promoted to Partner in Investment Management Practice Group
On May 5, 2018, Mark Greer was promoted to partner in the investment management practice group at our Chicago location. Mark concentrates his practice on representing registered investment companies, independent board members and registered investment advisers on a broad range of regulatory and compliance matters.
Elizabeth Kuschel Co-Authors Article in Insurance Coverage Law Report
Elizabeth Kuschel co-authored an article in Insurance Coverage Law Report regarding this year’s potential regulatory changes for the life insurance industry. In this article, Elizabeth and her co-authors, Steve Davis and Bill Mandia, discuss the future of DOL’s fiduciary rule and its impact on life insurance sales.
Kristen Gibbons Feden Profiled for Her Role in the Bill Cosby Trial
Kristen Gibbons Feden was profiled by several news outlets for her role in the successful prosecution of Bill Cosby, including CNBC, Essence, The London Times and The National Law Journal. These stories cover Kristen’s experience as a prosecutor for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office and how she secured a verdict against Bill Cosby.
Stradley Ronon Hosts Panel Presentation on Diversity
On April 26, 2018, Stradley Ronon welcomed firm clients Lawrence Dietrich (Liberty Coke, far left), Denise Zamore (United HealthCare) and Jerel Hopkins (Macquarie) to speak to both the partnership of the firm and the Stradley diversity committee on how to become leaders in creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all attorneys. The panel was moderated by Brian Seaman, the chair of Stradley’s diversity committee. A similar panel presentation will be presented to the associates of the firm in the Summer of 2018.
Stradley Ronon Welcomes Its 2018 Summer Associates
Stradley Ronon recently hosted its 2018 summer associates for a reception in its Philadelphia office. The reception included a question and answer session regarding the summer program and provided an opportunity for the students to mingle with the Hiring Committee and with other members of the firm. Pictured are Stradley Ronon’s 2018 summer associates (from left to right): Stephen LaChine, Linh Nguyen, Cameron Redfern, Rebecca Cabrera, John Dikmak, Jr., Aliza Khan, and Tanin Kazemi. Not pictured is Julie Rafatpanah Tamerler.
Joe Nguyen Receives Leadership Excellence Award
Stradley Ronon Partner Joe N. Nguyen was recently recognized with the Leadership Excellence Award at the 8th Annual Philadelphia Diversity and Leadership Conference on Aug. 31 in Philadelphia. The awards recognize a “select group of individuals from diverse fields who exhibit exceptional leadership qualities” and “exceed the scope of what is expected in their organizations and communities.” Nguyen also spoke on the panel, “Leading with Emotional Intelligence,” which discussed the characteristics of emotional intelligence and why emotional intelligence is important for leaders.
Stradley Ronon Attorneys Attend National LGBT Bar Conference
Counsel Brian P. Seaman and Associate Corey S. D. Norcross attended the meeting of the National LGBT Bar (Lavender Law) in San Francisco, CA from August 2-5, 2017. Highlights of the conference included sessions regarding successes in the civil rights movement over the past eight years, where our nation stands in the fight for LGBT, racial, and ethnic equality, and how best to create an inclusive environment for LGBT attorneys and employees in the law firm setting.
Stradley Ronon Sponsors 2017 Barristers' Annual Awards & Scholarship Gala
Stradley Ronon sponsored the 2017 Barristers' Annual Awards & Scholarship Gala at the Warwick hosted by the Barristers' Association of Philadelphia, Inc. The Gala awards scholarships to current law students, and presents awards to current judges and practitioners for distinguished service. Recipients of this year's awards were Vernon Francis, Esq., the Honorable Gregory Smith, and the ACLU of Pennsylvania. Danielle Banks, Elizabeth Kuschel, Shawn Hendricks attended from Stradley Ronon, along with summer Associates Taurien Buffaloe, Shareda Coleman, and Sara Mohamed.
Deborah Hong Moderates Asian Pacific American Bar Association Panel on Women in the Legal Profession
Stradley Ronon Partner Deborah Hong moderated an Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania panel on May 18 in the firm’s Philadelphia office. The panelists for “Leaning into Success: Words of Wisdom from APA Women in the Legal Profession” included Jannie Lau of InterDigital, Sophia Lee of Blank Rome, Jennifer Lin of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Grace Manno of Qlik and Stella Tsai of Archer & Greiner.
Hong, co-chair of Stradley Ronon’s corporate & securities practice group, counsels public and private companies in business transactions, including domestic and cross-border acquisitions and restructurings. She also provides general corporate counseling for large institutional clients, as well as closely held businesses. Additionally, she is the former president and a current executive committee member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania, and is also a trustee of the Board for the Center for Literacy.
Brian Seaman Selected to Participate in Bloomberg Big Law Business Diversity Symposium
On May 11, 2017, Stradley Ronon Diversity Chair, Brian Seaman, attended the Big Law Business Diversity Symposium at the headquarters of Bloomberg Government in Washington, D.C. This symposium convened in-house counsel from some of the most prestigious businesses in the United States with senior lawyers from major law firms to share ideas and inspire immediate and meaningful improvements to diversity in their legal representation. Highlights of the symposium included success stories from general counsel from Fannie Mae, Capital One, and Verizon and a workshop designed to inspire accountability.
Seaman is currently Stradley Ronon’s Diversity Chair and is an experienced products liability and commercial dispute attorney with significant trial experience. He was a 2013 Fellow of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity program, and was honored by The Legal Intelligencer both in 2012 as a “Lawyer on the Fast Track” and in 2015 as one of only 23 Pennsylvania “Diversity Attorneys of the Year.” Seaman was also named by the Philadelphia Business Journal as “40 Under 40” in 2014 and by the National LGBT Bar as one of its “Best LGBT Attorneys Under the Age of 40” in 2015, an award given to only 40 attorneys in the United States each year.
Stradley Ronon Hosts Reception for Judge Stella Tsai
On April 25, 2017, Stradley Ronon hosted a reception for the Honorable Stella M. Tsai. Judge Tsai was appointed by Governor Tom Wolf to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas in June 2016 and assigned to the criminal trial division. Judge Tsai is running for election to the bench in her own right in 2017. When elected, Judge Tsai will be only the third Asian-American elected to a judicial position in the Commonwealth. The event was hosted by Stradley Ronon partner Deborah Hong.
Adriel Garcia Honored at Al Dia's Emerging Lawyers Awards Luncheon
Stradley Ronon Associate Adriel J. Garcia was recognized at Al Día News’Emerging Lawyers Luncheon held on Jan. 12 at the Pyramid Club in Philadelphia. The awards honored the region’s top Latino Lawyers and recognized how their professional accomplishments have contributed to diversity in Philadelphia. The event, which was hosted by City Solicitor Sozi Tulante, highlighted the contributions of seven talented Latino lawyers in Philadelphia who have made a difference in their organizations through their excellent legal work and commitment to supporting the advancement of Latino attorneys.
Garcia focuses his practice on general litigation matters, including securities enforcement, securities and business litigation, and employment law. He assists in the representation of public companies, investment companies and advisers, broker-dealers and individuals in connection with examinations, investigations, and enforcement actions by federal and state regulators and industry self-regulatory organizations. Garcia is also a member of the Philadelphia Diversity Law Group and the Stradley Ronon Diversity Group.
Prufesh Modhera Speaks at Annual ICI Mutual Risk Management Conference
Stradley Ronon Partner Prufesh R. Modhera spoke at the annual ICI Mutual Risk Management Conference on April 6 in Charleston, South Carolina. His panel, “The Times They Are A-Changin’: The New Presidential Administration and the Mutual Fund Industry,” discussed White House communications, SEC rulemaking and the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule.
Modhera’s practice includes counseling investment companies, investment advisers and independent directors on complex securities law issues arising under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the Investment Company Act of 1940. He assists in responding to SEC inquiries and provides advice to boards of directors on various governance issues. Modhera counsels sponsors and investment advisers in forming and structuring private investment funds including domestic and offshore hedge funds, funds of hedge funds and private equity funds.