We Are Morgan Lewis 2021
Here the people of Morgan Lewis share their stories, reflect on their histories, and embody the firm’s commitment to inclusion, innovation, collaboration, engagement, and well-being. While we celebrate what makes us unique, there is one thing that unites us all: We Are Morgan Lewis.
A CRITICAL MISSION FULFILLED
Partner Shannon Donnelly, associate Eugene Hwangbo, a retired US Army officer, and associate Daniel Kadish are among the many Morgan Lewis lawyers who have offered urgent assistance to Afghans and the nonprofit organizations working to support them at this critical juncture. Here they discuss what motivated them to get involved in the relief efforts, what they learned, and the importance of expressing gratitude for the service of others.
Growing Diversity in Technology Law: A Fireside Chat with Spotify’s Horacio Gutierrez
In the wide-ranging conversation—hosted by our Hispanic/Latino Lawyer Network in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month—Horacio shared his experiences transitioning from Morgan Lewis to in-house leading Spotify's legal department, the importance of inclusive practices, and pivotal moments in his career, including founding the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA)/Microsoft Intellectual Property Law Institute.
A Parent or a Partner?
The ongoing pandemic has tested many parents as they navigate remote work, virtual school, and constantly changing social guidelines. But this isn’t the first time many of our Morgan Lewis parents have been tested. David Monteiro, Alishia Sullivan, and Stephanie Schuster share how the support of the firm and their colleagues has helped them survive and thrive as parents and as partners.
Long-Standing Diversity Pipeline
The first time Eric Kim was exposed to any legal setting was through the Philadelphia Diversity Law Group. He shares how that experience set him on the path to being a Morgan Lewis labor and attorney lawyer.
Recognizing Disabilities as Diversity
Diversity and inclusion is not a new concept for corporate America. Traditionally, D&I is thought to encompass race, gender, age, and religion, but including disabilities in that definition isn’t as universal.
Partner Craig Bitman, practice group leader for the employee benefits and executive compensation practice and co-leader of Morgan Lewis’s Disability Awareness Lawyer Network, shares how his experience being legally blind has shaped his career and how important it is to have a network of allies.
Challenging the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Attitude Around LGBTQ+ Issues in Asia
In much of Asian society, diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts aren’t a central part of workplace discussions, and LGBTQ+ issues are too often excluded entirely. Compared to the United States and Europe, discussions of LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace are rare in Asia, and networks are even less common.
Hong Kong office managing partner Maurice Hoo is helping to shift this paradigm—from leading our LGBTQ+ affinity network in Hong Kong to rallying all of the firm’s Asia offices to participate in Pink Friday, Maurice is serving as an instrument of change in uplifting the conversation
Helping Others Together: The Fight for Racial Justice
In the fall of 2020, associate Kevin Benedicto embarked upon on a virtual mission to serve a public interest organization best known for serving others. Through an initiative of the firm’s Mobilizing for Equality Task Force, he would spend six months seconded as a fellow to provide fulltime support to the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (the Lawyers’ Committee) while the communities that relied upon his services fought against everyday injustices to survive in the middle of an unprecedented global health crisis.
Find out more about how Kevin gave back >>
Supporting Career Changes
Many law students don’t have a clear idea of what a law firm culture will really feel like until they choose a summer associate program. But for Emily Ahdieh, it was, in part, the very culture of Morgan Lewis that helped her become a lawyer.
Find out more about her career path >>
From Pandemic Response to Permanent Progress
In honor of Women’s History Month, Noelani Walser, Nancy Yamaguchi, and Sharon Masling share stories of how innovations borne from the COVID-19 pandemic have changed the way we operate for the better.
‘No One Can Combat Racism Alone’
When Morgan Lewis formed its Mobilizing for Equality Task Force, it was a natural way for associate James Nortey to bring his community activism to the firm. As a leader of the Community Engagement & Volunteerism working group on the task force, James shares the knowledge he’s gained over the last decade, detailing ways to be an ally in the fight for racial justice. Here, James shares how the events of the last year have intensified his work for equity.
Silver Linings of a Virtual Mentorship
For the sixth consecutive year, the Fortune–US Department of State Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership selected Morgan Lewis and Firm Chair Jami McKeon to mentor an emerging female leader. Ordinarily, the participants would visit our East Coast offices and meet with a number of firm leaders over the course of about a week. But having an all-virtual program this year meant there was time for a much more in-depth connection with Guatemalan lawyer Gabriela Roca.
