Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Our firm was founded in 1946 by two attorneys who were excluded from practicing at other firms because of their religion, which serves as a daily reminder that equal opportunity is the founding principle of our firm and lies at the heart of its value system. Their courage and conviction laid the foundation for a firm where our differences are not just accepted but embraced.
From the moment I joined Blank Rome, I was struck by the firm’ s deep-rooted commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging(“ DI & B”). We view diversity through a broad lens, encompassing individuals from all backgrounds who can bring their talents, life experiences, and varying perspectives to the firm, contributing to a diverse viewpoint that allows us to provide the highest levels of service and support to our clients, colleagues, and communities. This commitment is reflected in the way we support our colleagues, serve our clients, and contribute to the broader legal community.
Our firm-wide Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, guided by a dedicated group of leaders from across the firm, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping initiatives that promote an inclusive and highperforming culture. We also continue our recruiting and retention efforts aimed at attracting and developing talented lawyers from all backgrounds, reinforcing our belief that diversity of identities, lived experiences, and perspectives drives excellence.
As we look ahead, I am excited to build on the firm’ s founding legacy, reminding us of the responsibility we share to continue to foster a community where everyone can thrive.
In allyship,
Reham Fared Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
CLIENT COLLABORATION
FAIRYGODBOSS & THE MUSE: BUILDING INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES
Reham Fared joined an important panel discussion titled“ Building Inclusive Workplaces” at the fifth annual Inspiration Summit hosted by The Muse and Fairygodboss. The conversation centered on the vital role of allyship in creating inclusive workplaces, emphasizing that real allyship requires more than words, it demands intentional, consistent action. Reham and her fellow panelists offered valuable insights on how active listening, supporting colleagues’ career growth, and fostering a culture of respect can transform organizations into places where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
The Summit brought together a dynamic community of career-driven women and allies for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection. It highlighted the power of inclusive leadership and the everyday actions that drive meaningful, lasting change.
2024 DI & B AWARDS
Each year, Blank Rome celebrates its commitment to inclusion, advocacy, and leadership through two signature awards. The Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Award, established in 2013, honors a firm member who has shown exceptional leadership in advancing DI & B. The Bonnie Glantz Fatell Women’ s Advocacy and Leadership Award, presented by our BR Women affinity group, recognizes a colleague who has made a meaningful impact in promoting women’ s leadership at the firm and in the community. Both awards pay tribute to the lasting legacies of two remarkable individuals who helped shape our firm’ s culture.
THE 2024 HONORABLE NATHANIEL R. JONES DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING AWARD Recipient- Cheryl S. Chang, Partner, Co-Chair of the firm’ s Financial Institutions Litigation and Regulatory Compliance(“ FILARC”) group, Co-Chair of the Los Angeles office, and Co-Chair of BR United
Cheryl has played a key role in advancing Blank Rome’ s DI & B strategy and fostering an inclusive culture. She has been a member of our BR United affinity group since her days as an associate, she continues to lead the group as a co-chair a decade later, while also serving on the firm’ s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and Pro Bono Committees. Cheryl has organized diversity summits, launched new affinity groups, and mentored countless attorneys through initiatives focused on membership, coaching, and leadership development.
BONNIE GLANTZ FATELL 2024 WOMEN’ S ADVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP AWARD Recipient- Sheila G. Riesel, Partner
Sheila has dedicated her career to advancing women and promoting DI & B in the legal field. A powerful advocate and role model, she has inspired countless professionals through her leadership in Blank Rome’ s Matrimonial & Family Law group and beyond. She also established a Legal Internship Fund at her alma mater, Vassar, to support students pursuing careers in law.
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