Mintz Shortlisted for Inclusive Firm of the Year, Two Individuals Shortlisted for Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year and Diversity & Inclusion Lawyer of the Year

Mintz is pleased to share that Managing Member Bob Bodian has been honored with the Outstanding Ally Award from Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America 2020 for his remarkable commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession as an ally for diverse groups. In addition, the firm and two individuals were shortlisted in separate awards categories. All winners and shortlisted firms and individuals were celebrated at a virtual awards reception on September 24.

Mr. Bodian was selected as the winner of the Outstanding Ally Award in part due to his innovative approach to management, including the design and implementation of a new system for sharing origination credit, which has had the intended impact of providing more opportunities for minority and women lawyers to share in the economic results of their efforts to help grow client relationships. Mr. Bodian has also taken an active role in mentoring diverse attorneys. The origination credit system, in addition to his commitment to mentoring and recruiting, has propelled many diverse and women lawyers to leadership positions and other successes, and encourages a firm-wide culture of collaboration.

Over the past six months in particular, Mintz has renewed its longstanding commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion at the firm and in the legal community. In June, Mr. Bodian announced that all Mintz attorneys and professional staff will be provided a paid day off on Election Day, November 3, to vote, and to engage in other related activities. The management decision, which was highlighted in The American Lawyer, has encouraged other law firm leaders to follow suit, driving a growing, industry-wide movement. In tandem with the Election Day initiative, Mr. Bodian announced a new, multi-step diversity and inclusion plan, which includes a firm goal of increasing the number of Black attorneys by 50% by June 30, 2022, and continuing to undertake social justice reform work on a pro bono basis, among several other actions.

In addition to Mr. Bodian’s recognition, Mintz was shortlisted for the Inclusive Firm of the Year Award, Member and Chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee Susan Finegan was shortlisted for Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year, and Member Narges Kakalia was shortlisted for Diversity & Inclusion Lawyer of the Year.

The full list of Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America 2020 winners is available here.