Implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - DEI - Initiatives: A Roadmap

Stuart Katz leads the Employment Counseling & Litigation Group and chairs the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee at Cohen and Wolf, P.C. He represents employers of all sizes in defending a wide range of claims. Stuart routinely provides workplace trainings and guidance to employers and employees regarding personnel policies, handbooks, internal investigations, and employee discipline. Stuart also represents professionals and executives in matters relating to their employment.

Stuart serves as an arbitrator and mediator for employment disputes and is a member of the American Arbitration Association’s Panel of Employment Arbitrators. Stuart is the only lawyer in Connecticut who has been named “Lawyer of the Year” by the Best Lawyers in America? for representing both Management and Individuals in the area of Employment Law, recognition that reflects his unique experience on both sides of the employer-employee relationship.

Leticia Kimble is an experienced litigator with a practice that focuses on complex business and intellectual property litigation, business and entertainment contract disputes, and all aspects of employment and labor law, including the defense of employment-related lawsuits involving wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and wage and hour issues. Leticia regularly provides training on workplace diversity, inclusion, and unconscious bias training.

Leticia is a member of the firm’s DEI Committee and Chair of the firm’s Wellness Committee. Leticia has been instrumental in prioritizing an inclusive and diverse working environment. She actively pushes for change in the legal industry and has helped launch a mentorship program for diverse high school students interested in pursuing a career in the legal industry in partnership with Communities In Schools Los Angeles.

Leticia regularly speaks on the topic of DEI and recently participated in a panel discussion on Building a Diverse & Multi-Generational Workforce. In February, Leticia was nominated by the Los Angeles Business Journal for DEI Executive of the year in addition to being named a Leader of Influence – Labor & Employment Attorneys.

As Faegre Drinker’s chief diversity officer, Maria Lewis provides vision and leadership for promoting and instilling a firm culture that builds, values and supports diversity and inclusion. In partnership with firm leadership, Maria serves as the champion for the firm’s overall diversity and inclusion initiatives by developing and facilitating strategies, decision making, priority setting and actions necessary to advance diversity and inclusion at all levels. She also serves the firm’s clients by providing litigation counsel on challenging employment issues in the workplace and conducting corporate training programs to improve workplace culture and reduce legal risks.