Narges M. Kakalia
(she/her/hers)
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
+1.212.692.6215
Narges Kakalia is the firm’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. In that role, Narges leads the firm in developing and implementing its DEI strategy and goals, and is in charge of implementing thoughtful and innovative steps towards fostering a culture that values and celebrates difference, and ensures that every employee has an equal opportunity to succeed. By fostering a culture in which all individuals can bring their whole, unique selves to work, Narges will help Mintz bring multiple perspectives to each matter, thereby providing the highest level of client service and community engagement.
Prior to serving as the firm’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Narges was a Member in the firm’s Litigation Practice, Vice Chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Program, a leader of the firm’s Women’s Initiative, and a member of the firm’s MIATTY (Minority Attorney) affinity group.
Experience
- Represented Hexion Specialty Chemicals, an Apollo portfolio company, in a derivative action arising from Hexion’s failed merger with Huntsman Corporation. Won dismissal of the action.
viewpoints
Opening the Door to the New Beginning
January 10, 2022 | Article
Well-Being, Inclusion, & Belonging: Breaking Down Silos and Integrating DEI and Well-Being Initiatives
May 17, 2021 | Webinar | By Narges Kakalia
'Business as Usual Doesn’t Work': Inside Big Law’s Reckoning on Race
December 11, 2020 | Podcast | By Narges Kakalia
In House Warrior: DEI & Law Firm Leadership with Narges Kakalia, Director of DEI at Mintz
November 24, 2020 | Podcast | By Narges Kakalia
An Arbitrator’s Power May Be Greater Than That of a Judge
June 7, 2018 | Blog | By Narges Kakalia
Arbitrability Basics: An Illustration of the “Autonomy” Principle
March 22, 2018 | Blog | By Narges Kakalia
Enforcement of International Arbitral Awards in the U.S. – Could a Court Abstain Due To “Inconvenience”?
June 21, 2017 | Blog | By Narges Kakalia
Mandatory vs. Permissive Arbitration Clauses: A Survey of the Laws of Other Common Law Countries
March 27, 2017 | Blog | By Narges Kakalia, Terry McMahon
When An Arbitration Clause Sounds Permissive But Is Not -- Does "May" Really Mean "Must"?
January 12, 2017 | Blog | By Narges Kakalia
Risk Management, Indemnification and D&O Coverage — Texas Wall Street Women Style
January 27, 2015 | Blog | By Narges Kakalia
News & Press
Leading DEI With Practicality And Purpose
August 31, 2023
Corporate counsel can reinvigorate their companies’ DEI commitments even amid concerns generated by the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decisions and the divisive political landscape. In an article published by Corporate Counsel, ESG Practice Co-Chair and Employment Member Jen Rubin and Chief DEI Officer Narges Kakalia explored how in-house attorneys can influence corporate DEI efforts.
Has Big Law Hit Peak Empathy?
July 29, 2022
Mintz Creates Equity Advisory Council To Drive The Firm’s Commitment To Equity In Workplace
May 16, 2022
Mintz continues its ongoing commitment to ensuring the firm is an equitable workplace, establishing a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee that reports directly to the firm's main decision making body, the Policy Committee. The new Equity Advisory Council (EAC) will be responsible for driving equity for the firm’s attorneys, especially women, attorneys of color and LGBTQ+ attorneys.
Mintz Achieves Perfect Score on 2022 Corporate Equality Index
January 27, 2022
To Retain Minority Attys, Aim For 'Psychological Safety'
December 22, 2021
Mintz Ranked Among 2022 Best Law Firms for Diversity by Vault
September 01, 2021
Why I Went From Litigator To Law Firm Diversity Officer
August 17, 2021
Mintz Achieves Perfect Score on 2021 Corporate Equality Index
February 08, 2021
Mintz Levin Names First Director of Diversity and Inclusion
October 22, 2020
Mintz’s Bob Bodian Honored with Outstanding Ally Award from Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America 2020
September 25, 2020
Who’s the Boss? She is.
November 4, 2019
Mintz’s Second Annual “She’s The Boss” Event Draws Record Crowd, Inspires Future Female Leaders
October 12, 2019
Events & Speaking
Leaders of Color: The Changing Landscape
Centerforce
East Side 525 Lexington Ave. at 49th St. New York, NY 10017 212-755-4000
Inaccessible Websites: Risks, Remediation and Defense Strategies
Association of Corporate Counsel - New York
Fordham Law School 150 West 62nd Street, Costantino Room (Second Floor) New York, NY 10023
She's The Boss
An Event to Inspire Future Female Leaders
Convene, 117 W 46th St., Midtown West, New York, NY 10036
2018 Ethics Marathon
Association of Corporate Counsel – New York
Fordham University School of Law, Skadden Conference Center 150 West 62nd Street New York, NY
Mintz and Grant Thornton Present a Multitopic CLE Workshop
Grant Thornton 757 3rd Avenue and 47th Street New York, NY
Recognition & Awards
Lawyers of Color: Nation's Best List of "Leading Attorneys with a Commitment to Promoting Diversity in the Legal Profession and Advancing Democracy and Equality in Marginalized Communities." (2019 - 2020)
Crain's New York Business: Leading Women Lawyers in New York City, a list of 100 “women who juggle both distinguished careers and exceptional civic and philanthropic activities" (2018)
New York Super Lawyers: General Litigation (2015 – 2018)
Human Rights First: Pro Bono Star Award for Excellence in Legal Advocacy (2013
New York Super Lawyers: Rising Star – General Litigation (2011 – 2014)
Mintz Pro Bono Award (2008)
Involvement
- Board Vice-Chair, Womankind
Recent Insights
Corporate counsel can reinvigorate their companies’ DEI commitments even amid concerns generated by the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decisions and the divisive political landscape. In an article published by Corporate Counsel, ESG Practice Co-Chair and Employment Member Jen Rubin and Chief DEI Officer Narges Kakalia explored how in-house attorneys can influence corporate DEI efforts.
