Yusuf Zakir has joined Holland & Knight as director of diversity and inclusion. He was previously manager of global diversity recruiting and engagement at Latham & Watkins.

Zakir, who will be based out of Los Angeles, started his career as a securities litigator before ascending to the diversity post at Latham in 2015. He also serves as a board member for the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals.

“At Holland & Knight, we are working to embed diversity and inclusion into every aspect of the firm—from recruiting and professional development to marketing and community service,” Holland & Knight's firmwide diversity partner Tiffani Lee said in a statement. “Yusuf's talent and experience will greatly enhance the strategy, coordination and impact of these efforts.”

As Holland & Knight's director of diversity and inclusion, Zakir will work with firm leaders to enhance the recruiting, retention and development of those who are traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. He will also help coordinate the firm's various diversity and inclusion programs, communications and client engagement efforts.

“As a child of immigrants and a first-generation lawyer, my commitment to diversity and inclusion is very personal. I'm passionate about helping organizations become more inclusive,” Zakir said in a statement. “A diverse and inclusive organization is simply better in every way, and I'm proud to help the firm build on its success in this area.”

Zakir is one of many diversity executives hired by law firms this year. In June, DLA Piper hired Fenimore Fisher as chief diversity officer. Greenspoon Marder appointed labor and employment partner Myrna Maysonet as chief diversity executive in March. And in February, Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti elevated partner Zahid Quraishi.

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