Diversity Journal Profiles Four Akin Gump Lawyers, Firm D&I Council

Diversity Journal has profiled several Akin Gump lawyers as well as the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Council in its latest issue.

In the category of Native American/Indigenous Leaders Worth Watching, Diversity Journal featured Akin Gump American Indian policy and regulation partner Jason Hauter and senior counsel Katie Brossy. As part of his profile, Hauter spoke of how representing his tribal community, the Gila River Indian Community, has become “a passion” of his. He credits the mentorship of the Community’s long-serving general counsel as well as other attorneys who have influenced him during his nearly 20-year career. Brossy, a member of the Ponca Tribe, said her most significant mentor while growing up was her mother, who taught her and her sister “that leadership and hard work starts at home.” With that strong encouragement, she said, she set out to be one of the first members of her Tribe to go to law school. (Click here and here to read these profiles.)

In its Women Worth Watching in Leadership feature, Diversity Journal profiled financial restructuring partner Liz Osborne and investment management partner Ann Tadajweski. Osborne observed that organizations “are better places if they are filled with people from different walks of life, with varying experiences and perspectives” and offered her thoughts on the different roles people can play in increasing diversity in the workplace. Tadajweski added that, while the pandemic has brought new pressures for women, “It has also shined a light on the daily challenges we face and given us new opportunities to connect and lead.” She suggested taking what’s been learned “in this challenging environment, and build upon it to better support and develop women as future leaders.” (Click here and here to read these profiles.)

Finally, Akin Gump’s Firmwide Diversity & Inclusion Council along with its leaders, firm chairperson Kim Koopersmith and chief diversity and inclusion officer Nimesh Patel, were profiled as recipients of Diversity Journal’s Diversity Team Awards. The publication notes that Akin Gump last year “led a response to the long-overdue reckoning on racial justice that included making public statements and providing support to racial justice efforts outside the firm.” Internally, the firm significantly enhanced its existing diversity and inclusion efforts. (Click here to learn more and here to read this profile.)