Arnold & Porter Receives 2019 BP Legal Diversity & Inclusion Award
Recently, Arnold & Porter received BP's 2019 Legal Diversity & Inclusion Award at a ceremony in Houston, Texas. The award annually honors outside counsel firms for their "extraordinary efforts and alignment with BP's commitment to diversity and inclusion." BP, which has a "strong commitment to supplier diversity," commended Arnold & Porter for its complementary commitment to championing diversity both within the firm and in the community.
Anne Davis, co-managing partner at Arnold & Porter, said: "Arnold & Porter and BP have collaborated on a number of Diversity & Inclusion initiatives over the past few years including BP's Summer Associate Legal Day in 2018 and a pilot mentoring program. We are especially proud of the mentoring program, which is focused on the advancement of women, attorneys of color, and LGBTQ attorneys."
Arnold & Porter partner Anand Agneshwar, chair of the firm's Diversity Committee and co-chair of the Product Liability Litigation practice group, added: "It has been a pleasure to work with BP to develop an innovative mentoring program. Our shared vision for a more diverse and inclusive legal professional has enabled us to think creatively about how to advance this mutual goal, in our workplace and communities."
"We have been pleased to collaborate with Arnold & Porter on a number of Diversity & Inclusion-focused initiatives. Our partnership on the mentoring exchange is one example of how both of our organizations are seeking innovative ways to advance our shared values. With this recognition, we celebrate Arnold & Porter's continuing effort to attract and retain top diverse talent," stated Malika Herring, Senior Litigation Counsel and BP Legal and E&C Regional Chair of Diversity & Inclusion.
Recently promoted partner Vinita Kailasanath, who participated in the mentorship program as a senior associate, said: "BP and Arnold & Porter's joint mentorship program has provided me with incredibly valuable insights regarding the role that diversity and inclusion play in the legal world today and how we can work together to build on the strong foundation established by this program. My mentor has opened new doors for me and helped me develop both professionally and personally by sharing candid and thoughtful insights and feedback from the perspective of a senior in-house legal counsel."
Arnold & Porter senior associate Lauren Daniel added: "BP and Arnold & Porter have remarkably similar philosophies with regard to diversity and inclusion and it is hard to overstate the positive impact this alignment has had on my career and development as a lawyer. Through the mentorship exchange program, I have gained a sage confidante and willing sounding board in a senior environmental lawyer at the company."
Diversity and inclusion are core values at Arnold & Porter. The firm is committed to cultivating diversity and inclusion in a positive and supportive work environment, which enables enhanced development and retention of top talent. Arnold & Porter also strives to support charitable and nonprofit organizations that not only celebrate, support or help advance rights for women, people of color, or sexual orientation, but also afford attorneys the opportunity to gain additional legal skills through pro bono work or provide valuable networking to develop crucial business contacts.