About Duane Morris

Past and Present

Accolades, Recognition and Honors

Diversity

• Diversity Testimonials
• Diversity Highlights
• Events
• Duane Morris Leadership Award
• Global Diversity Growth
• Recruiting and Retention
• Diversity Mission Statement

Women's Initiative

Pro Bono Program

Home > About Duane Morris > Diversity > Diversity Highlights

[ Diversity Highlights ]

Diversity Retreats Offer Diverse Associates Valuable Forum for Mentoring and Career Development

Each spring, minority associates from across the country attend the annual Duane Morris Diversity Retreat to learn from minority partners and firm leadership and share their experiences at the firm. Programming at this popular event includes roundtable discussions of retention issues, Q&A sessions on matters that affect minority attorneys and panels on marketing and business development strategies. In 2008, our guest speaker was Wendy Shiba, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of KB Home. In 2007, our guest speaker was Douglas Gaston, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Comcast Cable.

The attendees have responded with overwhelmingly positive feedback. These successful events have become a regular part of Duane Morris' diversity programming.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation Ranks Duane Morris in Top Category for Corporate Equality

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) Americans, rated Duane Morris one of the top organizations in its 2009 Corporate Equality Index and Best Places to Work Survey. The survey rates businesses and firms on non-discrimination policies, gender identity and diversity training, domestic partner health insurance and other benefits for domestic partners. Duane Morris scored 95 out of 100 possible points, a 15 point increase over the 2008 survey.

In addition to its high marks for its policies, training and benefits, Duane Morris has been a major sponsor of the Equality Forum, a national nonprofit GLBT organization, and its annual International Equality Dinner for the past five years.

Recognized Leaders

Nolan Atkinson Named to Mayor's Advisory Task Force on Ethics and Campaign Finance Reform

Nolan N. Atkinson, Jr., the firm's Chief Diversity Officer, was named by Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter to serve on the Mayor's Advisory Task Force on Ethics and Campaign Finance Reform. The Task Force will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the city's public campaign financing ordinances, ethics board opinions and other ethics issues.

Mehrin Masud-Elias Appointed to South Asian Bar Association Board

Mehrin Masud-Elias, an associate in the Philadelphia office, was recently appointed a board member of the South Asian Bar Association of Philadelphia, serving as Secretary for the organization. Masud-Elias is also on the planning committee for the 2009 National South Asian Bar Association Convention. She has presented nationally on topics including challenges facing South Asian women in law and navigating diversity in the workplace.

Cyndie Chang Honored by Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association (SCCLA)

Cyndie Chang, an associate in the Los Angeles office, was honored with the President's Award at the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association (SCCLA) banquet for outstanding service and commitment to SCCLA. In 2007, Chang chaired "Phoenix Rising," a full-day MCLE event. SCCLA is one of the largest and oldest minority bar organizations in Southern California.

Terrance Evans Selected for Stakeholder 100 Program

Duane Morris San Francisco associate Terrance Evans was selected as a member of the Stakeholder 100 Class of 2007. A team of senior in-house counsel and executives enlisted by Stakeholder 100, which invests in top performing associates of color, selected Evans from nominations around the country based on his application, nomination by partner Yvette Roland and overall excellent track record. Evans will receive ongoing formal career management training through the Stakeholder Academy, which will provide the tools and network to help maximize his value to the firm, his clients and the legal profession.