Mintz is pleased to announce that Member Geri Haight has assumed the role of Chair of the firm’s Women’s Initiative, which sponsors numerous professional, networking, and social events aimed at supporting and enriching the lives of female attorneys. She is succeeding Member Meredith Leary who will continue to focus on her technology-focused litigation practice. In addition, Member Poonam Patidar has been named Chair of the firm’s Alumni Program, which provides a link between the firm and its family of alumni across the country. She will take over leadership of the program from Narges Kakalia, who was appointed as the firm’s first-ever Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion last year.

“Thank you to Meredith and Narges for their significant roles in shaping the Women’s Initiative and Alumni Program, respectively,” said Mintz Managing Member Bob Bodian. “I’m excited that Geri and Poonam have taken on these new responsibilities and look forward to collaborating with them as we work to continually enhance the firm’s initiatives and programs. They are both extraordinary attorneys and leaders and their passion, energy and vision make them exceptional stewards for the firm.”

Ms. Haight returned to Mintz in 2020 as a Member in the firm’s Employment, Labor & Benefits Practice after more than seven years as in-house counsel with Panera Bread Company, most recently as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel. Her work primarily involves litigation and counseling on federal, state and local labor and employment issues, including issues involving employee mobility and trade secret protection, wage and hour, discrimination, harassment and retaliation, and leaves of absence.

In her new position as Chair of the Women’s Initiative, which is part of the firm’s leadership team, Ms. Haight will collaborate with external thought leaders and visionaries, and a number of firm attorneys and clients to create and drive programs and initiatives that support the sponsorship, mentorship, advancement, and retention of women attorneys in law firms.

A Member in Mintz’s Public Finance Practice, Ms. Patidar counsels governments, quasi-public authorities and higher education facilities on the issuance of tax-exempt and taxable debt as well as securities and tax law matters. She also represents institutional investors and indenture trustees with respect to the purchase and restructuring/workout of high yield municipal debt. 

In her new position as Chair of the firm’s Alumni Program, Ms. Patidar will manage its offerings for former colleagues and current Mintz attorneys to access innovative professional development programs, social events, continuing legal education, webinars, and a robust network.

Mintz is a versatile Am Law 100 law firm with more than 500 attorneys serving clients worldwide. Mintz attorneys collaborate across disciplines to deliver exceptional legal strategies that help clients navigate shifting industry challenges. Strategically located to meet the needs of the firm’s clients, Mintz has offices in Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and London.

Learn more about Mintz’s commitment to diversity here.

Learn more about Mintz’s Alumni Program here.