BOSTON and SAN DIEGO – Chambers & Partners has named two Mintz attorneys as finalists for its 2023 Chambers USA Awards, which celebrates firms and individuals who are furthering the advancement of diversity and inclusion across the United States (U.S.). Intellectual Property Member Andrew (Drew) DeVoogd is being recognized in the Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year category, and Employment Associate Nicole (Nikki) Rivers is being recognized in the Diversity & Inclusion: Future Leader category.

Mr. DeVoogd actively supports immigrant, LGBTQ+ and women’s rights through his pro bono practice. He assists asylum-seekers and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including on appeal. Mr. DeVoogd led an amicus briefing team on behalf of Aimee Stephens in the Title VII case, Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, 140 S. Ct. 1731 (June 15, 2020), at the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, he is currently working with a team of attorneys at Mintz and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Massachusetts, advocating for families and women from Afghanistan who filed Humanitarian Parole applications after the 2021 U.S. withdrawal. The team filed a federal complaint seeking relief for plaintiffs whose applications have been delayed or denied without proper procedure, and who are at risk of harm from the Taliban.

Ms. Rivers was shortlisted for her contributions to Mintz’s Addressing Racial Inequality Group, which seeks to end systemic racism and police brutality in America. The Group's initiatives include mentoring programs for diverse law students, community education, and high impact litigation. In partnership with the ACLU Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties, Community Advocates for Just and Moral Governance, and Brody McBride Law, the Group recently secured a settlement for client Christina Griffin-Jones in a federal lawsuit against the City of San Diego, challenging the San Diego Police Department's cell phone seizure practices and which resulted in changes to those practices.

Chambers Diversity & Inclusion aims to promote the advancement of inclusion across the global legal profession through research, training, workshops, tourism and awards. Winners of the Chambers USA Awards will be announced at a virtual ceremony on June 15, 2023.

For more information about Mintz, please visit www.mintz.com.