Tag Archive for: flex success award

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Law Firm Partners and Clients to be Honored for Attorney-Client Partnerships That Support Flexible Schedules

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance 2022 Flex Success® Awards to Be Presented Virtually on Nov. 3

Washington, DC (October 12, 2022) – Today the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance announced that its 2022 Flex Success® Award honorees will be: Sheehan Sullivan, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine and her client Carolyn Glenn, Senior Counsel, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan; and Sarah D. Rodriguez, Partner, Shutts & Bowen LLP, and her client Jamie Smith, Partner, MHP Management, LLC.

The Flex Success® Award recognizes partners at Diversity & Flexibility Alliance member law firms who have achieved success while working a reduced hours schedule along with a client who has been integral to making workplace flexibility so successful. The Awards will be presented on November 3 during the Alliance’s virtual annual conference, Cultivating a Holistic Work Culture: The Power of People, Purpose & Productivity, during which all honorees will be speaking.  Registration is available here.

“These highly-respected law firm leaders are a true testament to the value that flexibility can bring to an organization,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “With the support of their clients and firms, these exceptional partners have managed high-profile case loads, held leadership positions within their firms, mentored colleagues, and volunteered their time, while also devoting time to their personal commitments.” she added.

Sheehan Sullivan, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine and her client, Carolyn Glenn, Senior Counsel at Kaiser Foundation Health Plan.

Davis Wright Tremaine partner, Sheehan Sullivan is a nationally recognized employment litigator and valued member of her firm’s leadership, serving on the Executive Committee, as a founding member of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, on the DEI Client Engagement Committee, as current Chair of the Attorney Evaluation Committee, as the firm’s Reduced Hours Coordinator and as Chair of the Flexible Schedules Attorneys Affinity Group.

Sheehan began working at an 85% reduced hour schedule twelve years ago when her first child was 2 years old.  Since then, she has developed a successful employment litigation practice and maintained a high-profile client list including Fortune 100 companies. Sheehan has served in the Wage and Hour Defense Institute and on the Editorial Board of the leading treatise on the FLSA (The Fair Labor Standards Act published by Bloomberg/BNA).  She also volunteers in her kids’ classrooms and serves on the boards of Special Olympics of Washington and Seattle Arts and Lectures.

Her client, Carolyn Glenn, Senior Counsel at Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, has been a longtime advocate for Sheehan and takes every opportunity to support Sheehan’s career and personal goals. Carolyn regularly refers her to colleagues and looks for opportunities to bring her in on Kaiser employment matters. Carolyn’s support of Sheehan has led to her becoming one of the Relationship Partners overseeing Kaiser work across the firm.

“I am honored to receive this recognition. Davis Wright Tremaine continues to be a leader in valuing and elevating attorneys with a flexible or reduced hours schedule,” said Sheehan Sullivan. “My relationship with Carolyn has been pivotal to my success – she is always championing me within Kaiser and with other clients. I am fortunate to have such a supportive environment at DWT and wonderful clients like Carolyn,” she added.

“As a single mom myself, I so appreciated having a reduced-hour schedule when my child was younger so I could combine the demands of my work as an employment litigator with raising a child on my own. During the 10 years I have worked with Sheehan, she has exemplified how to litigate at the highest, most sophisticated level with a flexible schedule that has enhanced the quality of her work product without sacrificing an iota of customer service,” said Carolyn Glenn. “I commend Sheehan and DWT for being role-models in our profession and for providing Kaiser with such an excellent strategic partner for our expanding employment law needs,” she added.

“I am thrilled to see Sheehan receive this very well-deserved recognition. Sheehan has championed Davis Wright Tremaine’s efforts to provide workplace flexibility for our lawyers. As noted above, Sheehan herself works on a reduced hours schedule, and has achieved tremendous success as a practicing attorney and as one of our firm’s outstanding lawyer leaders,” said Scott MacCormack, Firmwide Managing Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. “We are truly fortunate to have Sheehan as a partner at Davis Wright Tremaine,” he added.

Sarah D. Rodriguez, Partner, Shutts & Bowen LLP, and her client Jamie Smith, Partner, MHP Management, LLC.

Well-respected by her colleagues, clients and local community, Shutts & Bowen Partner, Sarah Rodriguez, has successfully tried complex cases, including a federal trial and multiple complex arbitrations while working a reduced hours schedule. Selected as a 2019 Super Lawyer, Rising Star, Sarah has maintained an active and intense caseload spanning construction litigation, construction contracting, and business litigation.

A mother of four young children, including two-year-old identical twins, Sarah has been working a reduced schedule since 2013 while managing family life, a thriving legal career and serving the local community as an active member of the Orange County Bar Association, Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers, mentoring organizations, and her church.

Sarah was a valuable contributor to the inaugural Attorney Development Committee for her firm, spearheading the firm’s formal mentorship program. She has dedicated countless hours to meeting with mentors and mentees, matching experienced attorneys with young mentees, and planning mentorship events, including social events and educational seminars. Sarah also serves as a Mentor for the Support Our Scholars (“SOS”) Scholarship and Mentoring Program, a non-profit that provides financial and emotional support to disadvantaged young women with extraordinary potential during their college journey.

Sarah’s client, Jamie Smith, Partner, MHP Management, LLC, is respectful of Sarah’s time restraints, especially given the legal successes she has achieved on their behalf.  Over time, Jamie has developed a high level of trust and respect for Sarah and the quality of her work.

“Having a flexible schedule has meant the world to me. My reduced hours have allowed me to spend more time with my family while remaining fully devoted to my legal career. I’m truly grateful to have my clients’ support and to work for a firm that values inclusion, hard work, and flexibility in the workplace,” said Sarah Rodriguez, Esq.

“Raising four small children while providing excellent professional services is no small feat.  Sarah Rodriguez is journeying through a season of life where she has significant demands on her time in the home and in the office.  As clients, we value that she is able to maintain her priorities in her household with a flexible schedule while also providing excellent work during the hours that she is in office,” said Sarah’s client, Jamie Smith, Partner, MHP Management, LLC. “From one mother of four to another mother of four, well done!” she added.

“At Shutts & Bowen, we take pride in our flexibility options and the high-performance partners thriving in our program. Sarah is a testament to the success of the DFA program, and we applaud her dedication to her clients and her accomplishments,” said Jack McElroy, Shutts & Bowen LLP’s Firmwide Managing Partner.

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures for all and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

 

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

Lathrop GPM and Ogletree Deakins Partners and Clients to be Honored for Attorney-Client Partnerships That Support Flexible Schedules

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Flex Success® Awards to Be Presented Virtually on Nov. 3

Washington, DC (October 26, 2021) – Today the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance announced that its 2021 Flex Success® Award honorees will be: Liz Dillon, Partner and Franchise Practice Group Leader, Lathrop GPM LLP, and her client Iris Rosario, Senior Counsel, Choice Hotels, and Sarah Kuehnel, Partner, Ogletree Deakins, and her client Bonnie Smith, CEO of Studio B Entertainment.

The Flex Success® Award recognizes Partners at Diversity & Flexibility Alliance member law firms who have achieved success while working a reduced hours schedule as well as a client who has been integral to making workplace flexibility so successful. The Awards will be presented on November 3 during the Alliance’s virtual annual conference, Reflect. Reimagine. Recalibrate. Paving the Way to Inclusive Flexibility. Registration is available here.

“These respected law firm leaders have achieved extraordinary career success while working flexible schedules,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “Their careers clearly demonstrate that partners working reduced hours and remote schedules can provide exceptional client service when they have the support of and collaboration from clients and firm colleagues. We hope these outstanding women motivate other attorneys to seek flexible schedules when needed to thrive in a successful and sustainable career,” she added.

Liz Dillon, Partner, Lathrop GPM LLP

Lathrop Partner Liz Dillon’s flexible schedule generally includes working four days a week, allowing her to spend most Fridays with her family, other than two months of the year when her practice is particularly busy. As the leader of Lathrop’s Franchise & Distribution Practice Group, she oversees more than 30 lawyers and paralegals and has been recognized for her legal prowess in Chambers USA, Chambers Global, The Best Lawyers in America, “Legal Eagles” by Franchise Times and the International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers.  Under her leadership, the firm was named the “Best Franchise Law Firm” in the world by Global Franchise Magazine in 2021.

Working together for many years, Liz and her client Iris Rosario, Senior Counsel, Choice Hotels, have developed an open dialog that allows them to work collaboratively to meet the legal needs of Choice Hotels.  Liz’s flexible schedule has also allowed her to volunteer with the Advocates for Human Rights, serve as a board member for the Minnesota Land Trust, and chair its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and be recognized as a “North Star Lawyer” by the Minnesota State Bar Association for providing 50 hours of pro bono legal services in 2019 to low-income people.

“I am honored to be recognized by the Diversity & Flexible Alliance for this award,” said Liz Dillon. “We are grateful for clients that support our commitment to work-life balance. Our constant collaboration and effective communication allow both teams to accomplish our objectives and establish healthy boundaries that allow for a fulfilling, sustainable life.”

“Inclusion, diversity, and a healthy work-life balance are a part of Choice Hotels’ values and principles,” said Iris Rosario, Senior Counsel, Franchise, Choice Hotels International, Inc. “Liz Dillon and I have created an effective working relationship, and we can always rely on Liz and the Lathrop GPM Franchise Practice Group for timely and relevant advice.  She is an example of an attorney who can have a successful practice while maintaining a work-life balance.”

“Congratulations to Liz Dillon on her Flex Success Award from the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance,” said Cameron Garrison, Firm Managing Partner of Lathrop GPM. “Liz is an excellent example of how we deliver unmatched value to clients while still allowing partners, associates and professional staff the flexibility to manage other components of their lives. Lathrop GPM is committed to being a leader in allowing flexible schedules that fit the needs of our people while also continuing to deliver the high-quality service and responsiveness our clients demand.”

Sarah Kuehnel, Partner, Ogletree Deakins

For the last ten years, Sarah Kuehnel has been working a fully-remote, reduced hours schedule which reduces her annualized hours target to 85%.  As a military spouse who has moved five times to four different states based on her husband’s military orders, this flexible schedule has allowed her to continue to successfully work for Ogletree Deakins. In 2016, Sarah transitioned from her home office in St. Louis to the Florida Panhandle, where she volunteered to take her third bar exam enabling her to service firm clients in a part of the country where the firm did not have an office.  Sarah’s client, Bonnie Smith, CEO of Studio B Entertainment, is a strong advocate of flexible working arrangements and has always engaged Sarah’s services regardless of where Sarah physically lived. Bonnie has also introduced Sarah and promoted her employment law expertise to her peers at large prestigious organizations to help expand her client reach.

“I am honored to receive the 2021 Flex Success Award a decade into my remote career, which started back in 2011! Ogletree’s support and encouragement, paired with enthusiasm from my clients, particularly Bonnie Smith, has enabled my success while working remotely and flexibly,” said Sarah Kuehnel.  “Indeed, my success would have been impossible without the resources from my firm and dedication of my clients given my need to work remotely from several different states because of my husband’s military career, which has relocated me 5 times in 10 years,” she added.

“I am extremely proud of Sarah’s incredible work; and she is very much deserving of this Award,” said Bonnie Smith, CEO of Studio B Entertainment. “Sarah has been and continues to be a critical part of our team, providing her expertise that allows us to execute with excellence at each and every touchpoint of our business,” she added.

“Ogletree Deakins is proud to offer a modern and flexible working environment for our attorneys,” said Matt Keen, managing shareholder, Ogletree Deakins. “Sarah has demonstrated tremendous prowess in living our Client Pledge in service of Studio B Entertainment and other clients, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This recognition validates our commitment to flexible scheduling options and showcases the vast potential of attorneys like Sarah.”

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures for all and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

Registration for the conference is available here.

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

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Diversity & Flexibility Alliance to Honor Attorney/Client Partnerships That Support Flexible Schedules

2020 Flex Success® Awards to Be Presented to Dickinson Wright,

Schiff Hardin & Seyfarth Shaw Partners & Clients on November 5

Washington, DC – October 21, 2020 – Today the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance announced that its 2020 Flex Success® Award honorees will be: Sharon Newlon, Member, Dickinson Wright and her client Sara von Bernthal, Senior Counsel, Real Estate, Office of the General Counsel, FCA USA LLC; Lucy Bickford, Partner, Schiff Hardin LLP and her client Andrea Coloff, Regional Fiduciary Officer, Bank of America Private Bank; and, Emma Mata, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP and her client Suzanne Davies, Vice President, Legal & Corporate Secretary, Ensign Energy Services Inc.

The Flex Success® Award recognizes Partners at Diversity & Flexibility Alliance member law firms who have achieved success while working a reduced hours schedule as well as a client who has been integral to making workplace flexibility so successful. The Awards will be presented on November 5, 2020 during the Alliance’s virtual annual conference, Moments of Impact: Transforming Organizational Culture. Registration is available here.

“With support from their firms, these exceptional attorneys honored with our Flex Success® award have risen to Partnership levels and provided excellent client service while working a reduced hours schedule,” said Manar Morales, President and CEO of the Alliance. “The clients we are recognizing have demonstrated their belief that success can be achieved outside the confines of a traditional work schedule. Together, these attorney/client pairs are perfect examples of how leadership, collaboration, and clear flex policies can lead to the achievement of both professional and personal goals.”

Sharon Newlon and Sara von Bernthal

Sharon Newlon, Member and Practice Group Co-Chair for Environmental, Energy & Sustainability in Dickinson Wright’s Detroit office, has been working a reduced hour schedule since the birth of her son twenty-two years ago and currently works a 75% reduced hour schedule. Recognized as a leader in her field by Best Lawyers in America, Sharon was instrumental in creating an initiative that allowed income members the option to become consulting members, with a negotiable billable hour requirement, in an effort to introduce flexibility into their careers. Sharon’s longtime client, Sara von Bernthal, Senior Counsel, Real Estate, Office of the General Counsel, FCA USA LLC, will also be honored for her ongoing support of Sharon and her schedule.

“I’m honored to receive the Flex Success® Award alongside Sara von Bernthal from FCA,” said Sharon Newlon. “Throughout my career, flexibility has been a cornerstone of building a rewarding practice within the legal industry. I’m grateful to Dickinson Wright, my colleagues and clients for being such great partners with me to create relationships that helped us attain our professional and personal goals,” she added.

“I’m honored to receive the Flex Success® Award alongside Sharon,” said Sara von Bernthal. “I’ve worked with Sharon for many years and we both know how important a flexible workplace is to female lawyers, especially working moms. I hope that promoting flexibility within our respective companies will lead to younger generations, especially women, realizing that they can have rewarding, successful careers that achieve their professional and personal goals.”

“Dickinson Wright congratulates Sharon Newlon and Sara von Bernthal on their well-deserved Flex Success® Award,” said Michael C. Hammer, CEO of Dickinson Wright. “Dickinson Wright is committed to working with our lawyers and clients to develop initiatives that promote flexibility within the workplace. We recognize that these important initiatives allow talented lawyers, like Sharon, to do their best work while assisting clients, like Sara, in furthering their diversity objectives while receiving the highest quality legal services. We look forward to working with them to build on their successful partnership.”

Lucy Bickford and Andrea Coloff

Also being honored with the 2020 Flex Success® Award are Lucy Bickford, Partner, Schiff Hardin LLP and her client Andrea Coloff, Regional Fiduciary Officer, Bank of America Private Bank. Lucy has been working a reduced hours schedule for more than seven years and currently works an 85% reduced hours arrangement. Lucy became a partner in January 2019 and credits her advancement to her reduced hours schedule that allowed her to cultivate a sustainable long-term path for her career at Schiff Hardin.

 In 2014, Lucy co-founded Schiff Hardin’s New Moms Group, a go-to network for women returning to work after having a child and advocates on behalf of all attorney parents at the firm, regardless of gender. In 2017, Lucy was chosen as one of the firm’s participants in the LCLD Pathfinder Program, designed for diverse, high-potential, early-career attorneys at LCLD Member organizations.

“Far from being a detriment to my career, my part-time arrangement is the key to having a sustainable long-term path at Schiff,” said Lucy Bickford. “By continuing to strengthen our firm’s flex policies, we will enhance our inclusive culture and solidify realistic and preferable career paths for a broader group of attorneys,” she added. “Andi helps to support my arrangement by setting reasonable and flexible deadlines, even when the matter is time sensitive. Additionally, she is responsive and inclusive in her communications, so our team can rely on her to help us move matters forward efficiently.”

“Lucy’s work product and advice are always excellent. As a working parent myself, I appreciate the importance of flexibility and balance, but I was not even aware of Lucy’s flexible work schedule when we first began working together because it is imperceptible to me as a client. I am so glad that Schiff has made this commitment to diversity and inclusion and that I am able to benefit from and support it,” said Andi Coloff.

“Lucy has proven that you can be a great mom and a great lawyer at the same time,” said Marci Eisenstein, Managing Partner, Schiff Hardin, LLP. “I know that over her years of parenting and working, Lucy has juggled her responsibilities and found ways to balance work and home life. She has shown that you can work a flexible schedule and still be fully committed to your clients and the firm.  We are very proud of her,” she added.

Emma Mata and Suzanne Davies

Emma Mata, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP and her client Suzanne Davies, Vice President, Legal & Corporate Secretary, Ensign Energy Services Inc. will also be honored with the 2020 Flex Success Award on November 5. Emma has been working a reduced hours arrangement of 10% below the annual requirement since she was an Associate in 2011. While on this reduced hours schedule, Emma has been able to make Partner and develop and grow her book of business to yearly receivables of over $1 million. Emma is the Houston office leader of Seyfarth’s Inclusion and Diversity team, former Houston office leader of the Seyfarth Women’s Network, and co-leader of the Houston office Pro Bono team.

Emma and Suzanne have been working together since 2009 and Suzanne has continuously relied on Emma in legal work for Ensign and its subsidiary and affiliate companies contributing to Emma’s continued success at Seyfarth. “The ability to balance my most important role at home and the legal career that I love so much has made me a better mom, a better lawyer, and a happier person,” said Emma Mata.

“As a mom to 8-year old twin boys, flexibility in my career is essential. It requires planning and no small amount of juggling as well. Partnering with external service providers who understand and support that flexibility, such as Emma, help to make my work flow seamless and manageable,” said Suzanne Davies

“We’re so proud of Emma and the impressive career she has established here at Seyfarth,” said Ellen McLaughlin, chair of Seyfarth Women’s Network. “Her own path exemplifies why supporting flexibility is key to gender advancement and talent development.”

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures for all and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

Nominate a Partner & Client for Our 2020 Flex Success® Award!

The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance is accepting nominations for our annual Flex Success® Award. The award recognizes partners at member law firms who are successfully working a reduced hours schedule and acknowledges the crucial role clients play in making workplace flexibility a reality. The Award honors attorney/client relationships that best exemplify how, with client support, attorneys can achieve greater work-life control and have extraordinarily successful careers.
The Award will be shared by:
  1. A successful partner at an Alliance member firm who is currently working a reduced hours schedule and has done so for a year or more; AND
  2. A client, to be chosen by the partner, who has contributed to the success of the arrangement.
Nominations can be made by any Alliance member firm, legal department, or by self-nomination. All partner nominees must be from an Alliance member organization.
Honorees must be able to virtually accept their awards at our annual conference (also going forward virtually) on November 5, 2020, Moments of Impact: Transforming Organizational Culture.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS JULY 15, 2020.
Submit the Nomination Form, (this is a fillable PDF; please download a copy first and then fill in responses), and once complete, email your nomination or any questions to Jane Caldeira, Manager of Communications. Please include a link to or attach the Nominee’s bio. All nominations will be acknowledged within 24 hours of receipt.
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Diversity & Flexibility Alliance to Honor Gibson Dunn & Ogletree Deakins Attorneys & Clients for Impressive Career Advancement While Working Flexible Schedules

2019 Flex Success® Awards to Be Presented November 7

Washington, DC – October 1, 2019 – Today the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance announced that its 2019 Flex Success® Award honorees will be Danielle Katzir, Partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, and her client Darren Drake of Stockbridge Real Estate Funds; and Stacy Bunck, Kansas City Office Managing Shareholder at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, and her client, Rafael Medina of McDonald’s Corporation. Sadly Mr. Medina, who was Managing Counsel for Labor and Employment at McDonald’s, passed away unexpectedly after being selected as an Award Honoree.

The Flex Success Award recognizes partners or shareholders at Diversity & Flexibility Alliance member law firms who have achieved success while working a reduced hours schedule as well as a client who has been integral to making workplace flexibility so successful. The Awards will be presented on November 7, 2019 at the Alliance’s annual conference, Inspire. Innovate. Ignite! in Washington, DC. Registration is available here.

“Both of these amazing women have advanced to leadership positions within their firms while working reduced hours schedules,” said Manar Morales, President and CEO of the Alliance. “By focusing on the quality of their work, rather than the hours worked, they have been able to maintain excellent client service without sacrificing their personal lives and families. Clearly their supportive clients have been critical to their personal success and career longevity. Hopefully these women will serve as inspiration to other professionals striving for personal fulfillment and professional success,” she added.

Danielle Katzir, a Partner in the Los Angeles office of Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, has worked a 75-85% annualized schedule since 2010, allowing her to take shorter days and weeks in between busier periods. In recent years, Danielle has worked on corporate and tax transactions and is now recognized as a national expert on EB-5 Visa matters. Her Pro Bono work has included representing an Afghan family in the wake of the recent travel ban. Danielle is a member of her firm’s Professional Development Committee and Diversity Committee, and is deeply committed to mentoring young attorneys and maintaining an inclusive organizational culture.

“I’ve been able to work on the same types of transactions and matters for the same base of sophisticated clients that I did before going part time, maintaining and honing my diverse skill set, but simply at a more manageable volume,” said Katzir. “Darren completely understands the balance I am trying to strike between my family, personal life and career,” she added referring to her client, Darren Drake. “He knows that the work will get done, and that it will be high quality, no matter what,” she added.

“The firm, and I, could not be more proud of Danielle for being honored with the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance’s Flex Success Award,” said Jesse Sharf, Partner in Charge of Gibson Dunn’s Real Estate Practice and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. “I was beyond thrilled when Danielle – with whom I have worked since she was a summer associate – was elevated to partner on a flexible schedule.”

“Danielle is a true Partner, one who works side by side with her colleagues and her clients to provide the best possible legal advice and client service, growing our practice while also growing a family and leading a rich personal life,” Mr. Sharf added. “I cannot help but smile when I see Danielle go about her professional and personal life, and I look forward to working with her—and continuing to hear about, and observe, the exploits of her children, spouse, mother, siblings and cousins—over the years to come.”

Stacy Bunck, Kansas City Office Managing Shareholder at Ogletree Deakins, began a reduced hours schedule in 2010 after returning from a six-month parental leave. After working a 60% schedule for seven years while her children were young, she increased her hours target to 75%. In January 2014, Ms. Bunck was elevated to Shareholder and in 2018, she became the Office Managing Shareholder for Ogletree’s Kansas City office. She is the first person in the history of Ogletree to ascend to Office Managing Shareholder while on a reduced hours arrangement, an arrangement she has continued to maintain in her Office Managing Shareholder role. In addition to performing her leadership role, Ms. Bunck has co-chaired four jury trials while working a reduced hours schedule. She has also participated in the 2019 Ogletree Deakins Leadership Challenge Program and serves as a role model and mentor for other attorneys pursuing reduced hours schedules.

“Ogletree Deakins has supported my quest for work-life balance for the last decade. By permitting me to take a combined 12 months of maternity leave, allowing me to work a reduced hours schedule for the last decade, and elevating me to Office Managing Shareholder while on a reduced hours schedule, the firm has enabled me to raise my children while maintaining an active trial litigation practice,” said Stacy Bunck. “The late Rafael Medina, former Managing Counsel for McDonald’s, championed my reduced hours schedule, by insisting on scheduling around my days home with my children, and encouraging me to always put family first,” she added.

“Rafael would have been honored that Stacy nominated him for this award but would certainly add that he didn’t need any award for simply doing what was right,” said Danny Sikka, Senior Counsel, Global Labor & Employment Law at McDonald’s Corporation, referring to his colleague Rafael Medina. “Rafael raved to us about Stacy’s incredible work and how she exemplified that great client service did not have to come at the expense of family or other personal interests. He would also be grateful to the Alliance for this award, but also pass it back to thank the Alliance for its work in promoting diversity and flexibility.  He always preached “family first” and often quipped, “In ten years, you won’t remember the name of many matters you worked on, but you will remember going to or missing that recital, game or event,” he added.

“As this award demonstrates, flexible schedules allow the firm and our clients to fully benefit from the talents of all of our attorneys,” said Matt Keen, Ogletree’s Managing Shareholder. “Stacy has provided exceptional client service and leadership while meeting her other obligations through flexible scheduling. We are proud to partner with McDonald’s to support Stacy’s achievements,” he added.

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures for all and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

Contact Manar Morales at 202-957-9650 or manar@dfalliance.com for more information.

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Dentons Partner and Client Honored for Success While Working Flexible Schedule

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance to Present 2018 Flex Success® Award at Annual Conference September 27

Washington, DC – September 6, 2018 – The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance has announced that its 2018 Flex Success® Award Honorees will be Lori Mihalich-Levin, Partner at Dentons in Washington, DC, and her client Dr. Cindy Kelley, Vice President of Medical Education at Summa Health. The award recognizes partners at Diversity & Flexibility Alliance member law firms who have achieved success while working a reduced hours schedule as well as a client who has been integral to making workplace flexibility so successful. The Award will be presented on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at the Alliance’s annual conference, Diversity + Flexibility = Embracing Change, in Washington, DC. This conference was originally scheduled for March, but was postponed due to a snowstorm in DC. Conference registration is available here.

“Not only has Lori managed to reach high levels of career success while working a reduced hours schedule, but she is also truly passionate about helping to grow the pipeline of women leaders and supporting other working parents,” said Manar Morales, President and CEO of the Alliance. “With the support of her colleagues at Dentons and her clients, including Summa Health, Lori has grown her personal business and cared for her children while providing top-notch client service,” she added.

Ms. Mihalich-Levin has worked a 60% reduced hours schedule while representing hospitals, academic medical centers, medical schools and health systems as a Partner in Dentons’ Healthcare Practice since August 2015. In just two years, she was able to bring in 20 new clients to the firm and build a premier practice around legal issues related to graduate medical education. Her reduced hours schedule has allowed her to care for her two small children, while also building Mindful Return, LLC, a personal business that assists new parents in their transition back to work from parental leave, and writing a book Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return from Maternity Leave. She is also the Co-Chair of the firm’s Parent Professional Network, where she champions the success of diverse attorneys and has been instrumental in updating the firm’s parental leave policies.

“Ultimately the key to a successful flexible work arrangement is to be flexible and transparent,” explained Ms. Mihalich-Levin. “I am so thankful for the trust, support and encouragement that Cindy has offered me as well as her willingness to accommodate my schedule,” she added referring to her client, Dr. Cindy Kelley, Vice President of Medical Education, Summa Health.

“Lori and her Dentons team were critical to our success in overcoming significant challenges at our organization last year. I am so thankful for people like Lori who have a passion for finding that balance in life that allows them to pursue their careers while raising a family,“ stated Dr. Cindy Kelley. “Summa Health certainly benefited from this passion, as do all organizations that support workplace diversity and flexibility.”

“Dentons is committed to supporting our lawyers and professionals who work on a reduced hours or flexible schedule and applaud the effort of forward-thinking lawyers like Lori Mihalich-Levin,” said Mike McNamara, CEO of Dentons. “We also applaud our client Summa Health for embracing Lori’s flexible work arrangement. We firmly believe that flexibility results in positive changes that benefit the firm, the client, and our lawyers’ careers.”

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures for all and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

For more information contact:

Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

Getting to Know Our Conference Speakers -Dr. Cindy Kelley

We are so excited to have an amazing line-up of prominent leaders and trailblazers speaking at our 2018 Annual Conference Diversity + Flexibility = Embracing Change on Thursday, September 27.  We’ll be introducing these dynamic and engaging speakers throughout the summer and sharing their diversity and flexibility insights here on our blog. We’ve asked our speakers to answer a few questions about themselves, their approach to their career, and their lives. This week’s “Getting To Know Our Conference Speakers” post highlights Dr. Cindy Kelley, Vice President of Medical Education at Summa Health.

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance: What was the most meaningful piece of leadership advice you received?

Dr. Cindy Kelley: The most meaningful piece of leadership advice I received was…Be vulnerable.  I had to learn this from my own experience, the power of vulnerability.  And when I started reading more leadership books, I learned that the successful leaders are the ones who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable.  As leaders, we need to understand how important it is to:
a. Recognize that we don’t know it all,
b. Be open, truly open, to all ideas and perspectives, and
c. Be able to admit when we’ve made a mistake.  If more leaders could be vulnerable and role model this kind of openness, we’d see growth and change happen so much faster.

DFA: How do you recharge?
CK: I recharge at home.  I live in northeast Ohio so my recharging rituals vary depending on the weather!  In the winter, I’m most content on my couch with a fire in the fireplace and a book in my hands.  In the summer, trade the couch for an outdoor lounge chair, and the fireplace for our pool.  Keep the book in my hand!  I also love a morning walk with my dog; even better when one of my kids joins me. And yoga.  Ah, yoga!
DFA: What do you know now that you wish you knew then?

CK: I know this but I’m still trying to do it!  And that is, fight the urge to always be in the next place doing the next thing.  My daughters are the best ones at reminding me how important it is to be fully engaged in what I am doing right now.  My 8 year old even gently puts her hands on either side of my head, turns it so I’m looking directly at her and says, “Mom, you need to look at me,” when she knows I’m only half-listening to her.  Kids know.

DFA: What can we be doing to create more inclusive organizations?

CK: I think creating more inclusive organizations begins with a few basic things. First, we need to listen.  Listen to each other, to people that don’t look like us/talk like us/dress like us.  We need to listen for and find the places where we overlap:  our values, needs, wants. Those are the same no matter what other differences we might have.  Next, when we are ready to talk, we need to change the words we use.  We need to use kinder words, and words that are free from bias and judgement.  That’s hard.  Not because we want to use hurtful language, but because we’ve learned this language over time from powerful influences all around us.  But we can change the dialogue and I believe that is where real change begins.  Lastly, we need to show up.  To meetings, town halls, events.  If you are lucky enough to be in a leadership role, you have the obligation to use your time, your most valuable asset, to make the world a better place.

 

Join us for our Annual Conference on September 27th as Dr. Kelley accepts the Flex Success Award with Dentons Partner Lori Mihalich-Levin and shares how together they have been able to create a successful relationship that supports flexibility and advances inclusive cultures.

Getting to Know Our Conference Speakers -Lori Mihalich-Levin

We are so excited to have an amazing line-up of prominent leaders and trailblazers speaking at our 2018 Annual Conference Diversity + Flexibility = Embracing Change on Thursday, September 27.  We’ll be introducing these dynamic and engaging speakers throughout the summer and sharing their diversity and flexibility insights here on our blog. We’ve asked our speakers to answer a few questions about themselves, their approach to their career, and their lives. Our first “Getting To Know Our Conference Speakers” post highlights Lori Mihalich-Levin, Partner at Dentons.

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance: What’s the most important message you hope attendees will learn from your presentation?

Lori Mihalich-Levin: That there are law firms that are committed to creativity when it comes to flexible arrangements, and that these arrangements can play a huge role in retaining talent.  There are also clients that are extremely supportive of flexibility, and it’s quite possible to have stellar client relationships and a flexible schedule.

DFA: What was the most meaningful piece of leadership advice you received?

LM-L: Recognize your worth, value, and what you bring to the table.  For example, you know all those skills you’re gaining in parenthood?  They are, in fact, useful in the workplace, too!

DFA: How do you recharge? Where and when are you most content?

LM-L: I recharge every day in two key ways.  In the morning, before breakfast, I do 15 minutes of yoga and meditation on the dining room floor.  Yes, I’m sometimes interrupted (and climbed on!) by my kids, but I keep at it.  And after work, I recharge by turning off all electronics between 5 and 8pm to really be present with my husband and two boys.  I am most content when my day includes both meaningful connections with people I care deeply about and some alone time.

DFA: What do you know now that you wish you knew then?

LM-L: That my career would turn out just fine, without my knowing every detail in advance.  I want to tell the 5th grade me who checked a huge book out of the library on various careers, read it cover to cover, and insisted she decide on one, that she should go outside and play!

DFA: How do you pay it forward?

LM-L: I pay it forward by committing to helping new parents navigate the rocky terrain of those early years of working parenthood.  I do this not only through the Mindful Return program I founded, but by intentionally connecting with and mentoring new parent colleagues at my office.

DFA: What can we be doing to create more inclusive organizations?

LM-L: We can relax our grip on the belief that there is one, and only one, “way it’s done.”  Being open to creative approaches makes an organization more appealing to those who may not “fit the mold.”

Join us on September 27th as Lori accepts our 2018 Flex Success Award with her client, Dr. Cindy Kelley of Summa Health, and shares her insights and advice on achieving flex success while providing excellent client services and achieving partnership. 

Conference to Showcase Innovative Best Practices, Latest Corporate Trends, Cutting-edge Research on Diversity & Flexibility

Washington, DC – March 2, 2018 – The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance has announced that registration is open for its highly anticipated 2018 Annual Conference, Diversity + Flexibility = Embracing Change, to be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at the Washington, DC Offices of Jones Day. This interactive, one-day event delivers the latest trends, cutting-edge research and best practices in diversity and flexibility and attracts professionals from all industries. Registration and more information are available here.

The conference is widely known as one of the DC area’s largest gatherings of prominent leaders from around the world committed to strategically addressing the critical issues of Diversity and Flexibility.  Leaders, General Counsel and Chairs from financial giants like Deloitte and KPMG, tech industry icons like Dell, Intel and EverFi, as well as Politico, TV One and Lockheed Martin and countless prominent law firms will share personal experiences and valuable insights into the evolution of their organizations’ diversity and flexibility initiatives.

“Our conference provides a unique opportunity to hear expert insights and first-hand perspectives from top-level executives and those blazing the trail in the advancement of diversity and flexibility,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “In just one day, attendees acquire concrete strategies and critical information that enables them to implement real change in their organizations,” she added.

The Alliance will also present the following awards to individuals, leaders, and organizations that are leading the way in successfully implementing flexible work:

– The 2018 Flex Impact Award, which recognizes initiatives that are poised to have a significant impact on the culture of flexibility, will be presented to: Dell for its highly-successful flexible work initiative; law firm Fried Frank for its full-pay, on-ramping (return from leave) policy; and, law firm White & Case for its gender-neutral leave policy which is extended to both attorneys and staff. (Access detailed press release here.)

– The 2018 Flex Leader Award will be presented to Kim Koopersmith, chairperson of Akin Gump, for her unwavering support of and commitment to providing holistic flexible work options for all. (Access detailed press release here.)

– The 2018 Flex Success Award, acknowledges law firm partners who achieve success while working a reduced hours schedule and their clients who have been integral to making their flexibility a success. This year’s honorees will be Lori Mihalich-Levin, Partner, Dentons, and her client Dr. Cindy Kelley, Vice President, Medical Education, Summa Health. (Access detailed press release here.)

This year’s featured speaker, Vipula Gandhi, of Gallup Inc., will present eye-opening data and analysis on the State of the American Workplace including perspective on employee engagement, organizational culture, and performance management. Other highlights will include: the release of the results of the Alliance’s Annual Law Firm Flexibility Benchmarking Study; a case study presentation describing the development, implementation and management of KPMG’s highly successful women’s initiative; panel discussions emphasizing the role that clients play in encouraging diversity; and, presentations on leading best practices on flexibility and leave policies.

The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

For more information contact:

Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

 

Dentons Partner and Client Honored for Success While Working Flexible Schedule

Alliance to Present 2018 Flex Success® Award at Annual Conference March 21

Washington, DC – March 2, 2018 – Today the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance announced that its 2018 Flex Success® Award Honorees will be Lori Mihalich-Levin, Partner at Dentons in Washington, DC, and her client Dr. Cindy Kelley, Vice President of Medical Education at Summa Health. The award recognizes partners at Diversity & Flexibility Alliance member law firms who have achieved success while working a reduced hours schedule as well as a client who has been integral to making workplace flexibility so successful. The Award will be presented on March 21, 2018 at the Alliance’s annual conference, Diversity + Flexibility = Embracing Change, in Washington, DC. Registration is available here.

“Not only has Lori managed to reach high levels of career success while working a reduced hours schedule, but she is also truly passionate about helping to grow the pipeline of women leaders and supporting other working parents,” said Manar Morales, President and CEO of the Alliance. “With the support of her colleagues at Dentons and her clients, including Summa Health, Lori has grown her personal business and cared for her children while providing top-notch client service,” she added.

Lori Mihalich-Levin

Ms. Mihalich-Levin has worked a 60% reduced hours schedule while representing hospitals, academic medical centers, medical schools and health systems as a Partner in Dentons Healthcare Practice since August 2015. In just two years, she was able to bring in 20 new clients to the firm and build a premier practice around legal issues related to graduate medical education. Her reduced hours schedule has allowed her to care for her two small children, while also building Mindful Return, LLC, a personal business that assists new parents in their transition back to work from parental leave, and writing a book Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return from Maternity Leave. She is also the Chair of the firm’s Flexibility and Parental Leave Task Force, part of its Women LEAD initiative, where she champions the success of diverse attorneys and has been instrumental in updating the firm’s parental leave policies.

“Ultimately the key to a successful flexible work arrangement is to be flexible and transparent,” explained Ms. Mihalich-Levin. “I am so thankful for the trust, support and encouragement that Cindy has offered me as well as her willingness to accommodate my schedule,” she added referring to her client, Dr. Cindy Kelley, Vice President of Medical Education, Summa Health.

Dr. Cindy Kelley

“Lori and her Dentons team were critical to our success in overcoming significant challenges at our organization last year. I am so thankful for people like Lori who have a passion for finding that balance in life that allows them to pursue their careers while raising a family,“ stated Dr. Cindy Kelley. “Summa Health certainly benefited from this passion, as do all organizations that support workplace diversity and flexibility.”

“Dentons is committed to supporting our lawyers and professionals who work on a reduced hours or flexible schedule and applaud the effort of forward-thinking lawyers like Lori Mihalich-Levin,” said Mike McNamara, CEO of Dentons. “We also applaud our client Summa Health for embracing Lori’s flexible work arrangement. We firmly believe that flexibility results in positive changes that benefit the firm, the client, and our lawyers’ careers.”

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures for all and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

For more information contact:

Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650