MARCH 2019 Ori Portnoy Kathleen A

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT Blank Rome is committed to excellence in our fields of endeavor. We recognize that a diversity of ideas, backgrounds, and experiences is essential to fulfilling this commitment. We endeavor to recruit, hire, promote, and retain—on the basis of demonstrated talent and initiative—individuals throughout our Firm representing, among other things, different races, genders, ethnic groups, religions, sexual orientation, and national origins. We also endeavor to be inclusive of individuals with disabilities.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEMBERS

CO-CHAIRS LOS ANGELES PHILADELPHIA Christopher A. Lewis Cheryl S. Chang Lisa Casey Spaniel Deborah A. Franzblau Joseph M. Doloboff Yelena M. Barychev Jason S. Kim Linsey B. Bozzelli EX-OFFICIO Sophia Lee Hon. Nathaniel R. Jones NEW YORK Mark I. Rabinowitz Mark Blondman Beth Bernstein Conners Greg F. Vizza Julie Dressing Morgan Fraser Mouchette Melissa Morrissey Brooke T. Iley Mayling C. Blanco MARCH 2019 Ori Portnoy Kathleen A. Cunningham PRINCETON Donna M. Branca Diana M. Eng Adrienne C. Rogove Michael A. Scheffler HOUSTON Deborah Skakel WASHINGTON Susan L. Bickley Samantha Wallack Charles J. Monterio Jeremy A. Herschaft Marianne Talbot Russell T. Wong Karyn Cleveland-Barnes Candace Childress Andre Davison WILMINGTON Victoria A. Guilfoyle

Please see page 14 for our recently appointed 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Committee members.

Cincinnati • Fort Lauderdale • Houston • Los Angeles • New York • Philadelphia • Pittsburgh Princeton • San Francisco • Shanghai • Tampa • Washington • Wilmington

blankrome.com/diversity-inclusion

Attorney advertising. ©2019 Blank Rome LLP. All rights reserved. Please contact Blank Rome for permission to reprint. Notice: The purpose of this update is to identify select developments that may be of interest to readers. The information contained herein is abridged and summarized from various sources, the accuracy and completeness of which cannot be assured. This update should not be construed as legal advice or opinion, and is not a substitute for the advice of counsel. Navigating Your Career as a Diverse Attorney: Knowing What’s Next

Blank Rome had the opportunity to host the panel discussion, “Navigating Your Contents Career as a Diverse Attorney: Knowing What’s Next,” held on November 14, 2018, Perspectives keeps you informed on Blank Rome’s latest at our Philadelphia office. The event was diversity news and events as well as provides you with insight on current presented by the Hispanic Bar Association diversity and inclusion issues in the legal industry and beyond. of Pennsylvania and PECO Energy, and provided advice and insights on how to plan, manage, and advance your career so A Note from Blank Rome’s Managing Partner and CEO...... 1 you are ready for your next opportunity. Blank Rome Women’s Leadership Summit...... 2 The esteemed group of panelists included Sophia Lee, Partner, Blank Rome; Marcel Blank Rome Responds to Events at the Tree of Life Synagogue...... 6 S. Pratt, Philadelphia City Solicitor; Diana Cortes, Litigation Group Chair, City of Blank Rome Receives LCLD Compass Award...... 7 Philadelphia Law Department; and Romulo The Blank Rome Proust Questionnaire...... 8 Diaz, Vice President and General Counsel, PECO Energy. L to R: Sophia Lee, Blank Rome; Anthony Gay, PECO; Jacqueline Romero, HBA-PA; Romulo Diaz, PECO Blank Rome Achieves Certification for Participation in Mansfield Rule Program...... 10 Energy; Diana Cortes, City Solicitor’s Office; and Elizabeth Oquendo, HBA-PA.

Advancing Women in the Legal Profession...... 11 Joint Affinity Mentoring and Interviewing Promoting LGBTQ Equality...... 12 Workshop for Law Students 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Updates...... 14 Diversity, Equity, The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania, Barristers’ Association of 2019 Promotions: 12 Partners and 4 Of Counsel...... 16 and Inclusion in the Philadelphia, and Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania held a joint affinity bar panel Workplace James Barnes Joins Initiative Aimed at Increasing Success of Black Male Students...... 18 on January 17, 2019. The event featured a presentation on interviewing tips from local affinity bar leaders and a speed mentoring session that provided attendees the opportu- Enhancing Relationships in the Chinese Legal Community...... 20 nity to meet attorneys practicing in Philadelphia. Panelists for this interactive event were Blank Rome Partner James J. Sophia Lee, Partner, Blank Rome; Tiffany Sutherland, Manager of Associate Recruitment, Barnes spoke at the Vibrant Blank Rome Launches Storytelling Project, WE ARE BR...... 22 Pepper Hamilton; Crystal Esponal, Deputy City Solicitor, City of Philadelphia; and Brenda Pittsburgh Regional Economic More Blank Rome in the News...... 24 Marrero, Deputy Director of Operations, Community Legal Services. Inclusion Summit on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace, held on September 17, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His panel on the “Invitation Only Executive Breakfast Roundtable” explored what examining their roles in advancing diversity and inclusion means for CEOs and C-Suite executives locally, nationally, and globally. p

L to R: Brenda Marrero, Community Legal Services; Tiffany Southerland, Pepper Hamilton; Sophia Lee, Blank Rome; and Crystal Espanol, City of Philadelphia.

PERSPECTIVES • 29 EVENTS (CONTINUED)

Diversity: An Inclusive Culture or Window Dressing?

Blank Rome was proud to host the event, “Diversity: An Inclusive Culture or Window Dressing?,” held on September 13, 2018, A Note from Blank Rome’s at our Philadelphia office. The program was presented by the Greater Philadelphia Managing Partner and CEO Chapter of Ascend and co-sponsored

by Blank Rome and Ernst & Young. The GRANT S. PALMER panel was moderated by Kapish Vanvaria, Senior Manager, Ernst & Young, and Peter I am pleased to present the March 2019 edition Rome Women’s Leadership Summit where we assembled for Lav, Senior Director of Cable Compliance, of Perspectives, Blank Rome’s diversity and inclusion the second time a group of more than 100 women leaders Comcast, who led a thoughtful discussion newsletter brought to you by our Chief Diversity and Inclusion in law to collaborate and “hack” some of the most urgent on the effectiveness of diversity programs Officers Sophia Lee and Christopher A. Lewis, and our Firm’s challenges facing our profession. We are already hard at work and policies for women and minorities. dedicated Diversity and Inclusion Committee. implementing the winning ideas from this year’s summit, and Panelists were Sophia Lee, Partner, we are well underway in bringing their promise of enhanced Blank Rome; Jeanell Hughes, VP Talent Blank Rome was formed in 1946 by attorneys who, because diversity, inclusion, and value to fruition. Management and Chief Diversity Officer, of their religion, were barred from joining many established Aramark; and Richard Huynh, Pricing law firms. Our founders’ vision for our Firm was of a place None of these accolades or events would be possible with- Analytics Director, Cigna. p where people of diverse backgrounds could gather to out the commitment and support of our Firm’s Diversity and L to R: Peter Lav, Comcast; Richard Huynh, Cigna; Sophia Lee, Blank Rome; Elaine Cheong, Bank of America; Gustavo Pospischel, Comcast; Paulo Canale, Ernst & Young; and Kapish Vanvaria, Ernst & Young. practice law. As such, our Firm’s diversity and inclusion goals Inclusion Committee and leadership, of which we recently are to make Blank Rome a place where everyone can do their announced member updates. Blank Rome Partner Sophia Lee best work and bring their “whole selves” to work as well as is now serving as Blank Rome’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion to increase and harness our diverse talents to enhance our Officer, collaborating alongside Partner Christopher A. Lewis Firm’s client service. on advancing and strengthening our Firm-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives and goals. We also announced Partners Growing Pains & Learned As a result, Blank Rome remains supportive of all of our Sophia Lee and Carlos F. Ortiz as new chairs to our Diversity Lessons on Managing the professionals and is proud of the national recognition that and Inclusion Committee as well as new chairs to our Many Roles We Play as our Firm and attorneys have received for our commitment BR Pride, BR United, and Women’s Forum affinity groups. We Iranian-American Women to diversity and inclusion. Notably, this past summer, our would like to thank Deborah A. Franzblau, who is concluding Firm achieved Mansfield Certification, which recognizes law her role as co-chair of our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, firms participating in Diversity Lab’s inaugural Mansfield Rule for her ongoing contributions to our diversity and inclusion Blank Rome Associate Ghazal Tajmiri pilot program that have affirmatively considered at least 30 initiatives. moderated a panel at the Iranian percent women and attorneys of color for leadership and American Women Foundation’s Los governance roles, equity partner promotions, and senior In the coming year, our Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Angeles Chapter Rising Leaders event, lateral positions, to boost the representation of diverse affinity groups will be hosting various diversity and inclusion held on November 4, 2018, in Los lawyers in law firm leadership. Blank Rome has also signed on events that will help continue Blank Rome’s longstanding Angeles, California. The mission of the to pilot Mansfield Rule 2.0, which will extend the initiative goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive professional work Iranian American Women Foundation is to include LGBTQ+ attorneys and broaden the definition of environment. We look forward to honoring our founders’ to provide a platform for empowerment minority lawyers. Our attorneys have also been individually vision and continuing our dedication to advancing diversity and networking among Iranian-American recognized as Most Influential Minority Attorneys by the Los and inclusion in our Firm, the legal industry, and beyond, in women and to provide mentorship to Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey’s Angeles Business Journal, Top Women in Business Law by the years to come. younger generations of Iranians locally Annual Corporate Counsel Roundtable Expert Guides, and Top Women in Litigation by Benchmark and globally. Litigation, among other accolades. I hope you enjoy our newsletter and welcome your feedback. p Blank Rome Partner Mayling C. Blanco (pictured far left) moderated the Moreover, our Firm has done an outstanding job providing “Hot Topics in Compliance 2018” panel, which discussed the latest trends in unique, forward-thinking programming, including the Blank compliance affecting various industries, at the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey’s Corporate Counsel Roundtable, held on November 28, 2018.

28 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 1 New York Office Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Blank Rome’s New York office hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on October 18, 2018, this year honoring the country of Argentina. In addition to savory food, Argentine empanadas, beers from different countries, and other spirits, there was also a tango dancing demonstration and group lesson, raffles, and a contest for “Most Improved Dancer.”

Blank Rome Women’s Leadership Summit

Blank Rome was proud to host the Second Annual Blank Rome Women’s Leadership Summit, which was held October 18–19, 2018, in Washington, D.C.

For this exclusive two-day event, Blank Rome assembled for the second time a group of more than 100 women leaders in law to collaborate and “hack” some of the most urgent challenges facing our profession. A great lineup of speakers and social activities was also enjoyed by all, including a keynote address from Molly Bloom, an inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Molly’s Game.

As with our 2017 summit, our creative, experienced teams came through with powerful strategies for accelerating attorneys’ efforts in the areas of: 1) leadership, 2) diversity and inclusion, and 3) delivering value and increasing organizational efficiency. Our teams again blew us away with their thoughtful and actionable methods for propelling our industry forward.

The core values of diversity, inclusion, and tolerance continue to be the backbone of Blank Rome, and with successful events like the past two summits, we are inspired by the creative ways attorneys and professionals in our field are collaborating to New York Office BR United and BR Pride Holiday Party implement the ideas that will drive our profession to be more innovative, inclusive, efficient, and, therefore, more effective. Members of BR United and BR Pride gathered at the home of Associate Hannah K. Ahn on December 6, 2018, to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy food and wine selected by Partner Diana M. Eng, who is a trained sommelier.

2 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 27 EVENTS (CONTINUED)

The Winning 2018 Hackathon Ideas

Blank Rome is already hard at work implementing the two winning ideas from this year’s summit, and we are well underway in bringing their promise of enhanced diversity, inclusion, and value to fruition.

Judges’ Winner Crowd Favorite Topic: Delivering Value & Increasing Organizational Efficiency Topic: Diversity & Inclusion

Blank Rome Concierge Blockchain of Women

An app to monitor case work in real time and deliver Junior and senior attorneys from firms and penetrating insights into resource deployment. companies work on teams to deliver superior service and develop career-enhancing relationships.

Consumers of legal services want and deserve instant How can women law leaders help stem the stream of diverse gratification and to be able to show their internal stakeholders attorneys leaving the law profession and ensure that their what value they are getting from the legal dollars they spend. leadership numbers increase? By developing a Blockchain This can be accomplished through Blank Rome Concierge, of Women and diverse attorneys from law firms and client a desktop and mobile app displaying a dashboard of open organizations who can mentor and support each other, tickets, bills, and hours, giving clients real-time insights into provide insights into the unique career challenges they face, Attorneys of Color & LGBTQ+ Attorneys Retreat how the firm is spending its time on their behalf. On the law and develop stronger working relationships with their peers. firm side, the app will offer attorneys real-time details of The initial blockchain would be composed of four individuals— work in progress and historical data on completed projects, pairing a female firm partner with a mid-level in-house Blank Rome hosted our 2018 Attorneys of Color & LGBTQ+ Attorneys Retreat on October 25–26, 2018, in Atlantic City. creating transparency on how the firm performs work and attorney from a client organization and an in-house general Diverse attorneys from across all our offices gathered for our annual retreat where they enjoyed a weekend filled with reveal trends on client preferences, instantly. On the client counsel or associate general counsel with a mid-level law firm insightful panel discussions and programing, and leisure activities. side, the technology allows for real-time tracking, bringing associate. These partnerships offer each person in the chain the legal service delivery model current with the way we exposure to and mentorship from another female or diverse consume services and products in other areas of our lives. attorney as well as access to a network of mentors and peers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. facing similar career challenges in the legal industry. Annual Memorial Breakfast

Blank Rome Partners Sophia Lee, Charles S. Marion, and Mark M. Lee and Of Counsel James T. Giles attended The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Memorial Breakfast on January 21, 2019.

26 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 3 Update on Winning 2017 Hackathon Ideas

EVENTS Blank Rome has worked diligently to implement the winning ideas from our 2017 summit. Below highlights the impressive progress made with two of those ideas, our Pro Bono Partnership Pledge and Spotlight Program. Kaleidoscope of Change

Blank Rome hosted Kaleidoscope of Change PRO BONO PARTNERSHIP PLEDGE on September 16, 2018, at the American Jewish University in Bel Air, California. The Blank Rome and long-time client VMware, Inc. creative event featured talented local youth were presented with The Veterans Consortium’s and adult performers and celebrated 20 (“TVC”) 2018 Law Firm/Corporate Pro Bono years of our Adopt-A-Center Program, a Mission Partners Award at TVC’s 2018 Awards unique form of local philanthropy. Reception & Fireside Chat held on October 3, 2018, in Washington, D.C. The event honored each of the mission partners for their pro bono service that goes “above and beyond the call of duty” for our nation’s veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors.

Blank Rome and VMware’s pro bono partnership began last year through our Pro Bono Partnership Pledge, a winning idea from our inaugural Women’s Leadership Summit, where Blank Rome—in conjunction with a public interest or legal services organization—provides clients with legal training and support to run pro bono programs and enhance their pro bono efforts. Blank Rome and VMware launched our first event in November 2017 when we partnered with TVC to host a Military Discharge Upgrade Clinic at the D.C. National Guard Armory where attorneys from our Firm and VMware, paralegals from the Department Minority Corporate Counsel of Veteran Affairs, and local law students conducted Association’s Creating Pathways military discharge upgrade interviews. Since then, to Diversity Conference and Gala Blank Rome has worked with VMware to host multiple military discharge upgrade clinics, with the next one being planned for early this year. Blank Rome Partners Mark M. Lee, Sophia Lee, and Christopher A. Lewis (pictured Blank Rome and VMware accepting TVC’s 2018 Law Firm/Corporate Pro Bono from left to right) attended the Minority Mission Partners Award. L to R: Lee Woodruff, presenter; Courtney Smith and Mary Ann Gilleece, TVC; Kathy Ochroch, Blank Rome; and Elizabeth Kay Patterson, VMware. Corporate Counsel Association’s annual Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference and Gala, held October 1–3, 2018, in New York City.

4 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 25 More Blank Rome in the News In addition to the accolades and stories featured throughout this edition of Perspectives, below are some recent recognitions, appointments, and events that our attorneys have made headlines with. For a full list of recent news items, visit blankrome.com/diversity-inclusion.

AWARDS Cheryl Chang Named “Most Influential Minority Blank Rome Partners Recognized Attorney” by Los Angeles Business Journal as Inquirer’s 2018 Influencers of Law SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM

Blank Rome Partner Cheryl S. Chang was named to the 2019 Five Blank Rome partners have been selected as The Blank Rome held a networking reception at Ophelia’s on Most Influential Minority Attorneys in Los Angeles list by Philadelphia Inquirer’s 2018 Influencers of Law award October 9, 2018, in connection with the Corporate Counsel Los Angeles Business Journal, which recognizes “particularly recipients, a recognition that honors Philadelphia’s Women of Color Conference that took place in New stellar” minority attorneys in the Los Angeles region who have leading lawyers who “set the bar high” by impacting York. During the reception, hosts from our Firm revealed experienced much success in their careers and have made business and serving the community. Pictured from left details about Spotlight, a winning idea from our inaugural an impact in their practice and communities. At Blank Rome, are the Blank Rome honorees Alan J. Hoffman (Lifetime Women’s Leadership Summit. Serving as hosts for the Cheryl serves as co-chair of BR United and is a member of the Achievement), Regina Stango Kelbon (Bankruptcy), event were Blank Rome Partners Saminaz Akhter, Mayling Diversity and Inclusion Committee, which is committed to Steven A. Shoumer (Real Estate), Frederick D. Lipman C. Blanco, Cheryl S. Chang, Diana M. Eng, Sophia Lee, advancing our Firm’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. (Corporate & Securities), and Daniel E. Rhynhart and Shawn M. Wright. (Litigation and Defense). Spotlight is aimed at creating a structured partnership Blank Rome’s Judge Nathaniel Jones Honored between women and diverse in-house counsel and with 2019 Black Diamond Legacy Award attorneys at our Firm to align our clients’ business needs with our Firm’s resources to help enhance and elevate Blank Rome Of Counsel Judge Nathaniel Jones, who profiles and to deepen their collective strengths and impact previously served as our Firm’s first Chief Officer of on their respective organizations. Diversity and Inclusion, was honored with the 2019 Black Diamond Legacy Award by the Youngstown Chapter of The program launched with a Blank Rome-hosted media The Links, Incorporated, in recognition of his longstanding and brand building training led by Greentarget, a national career and reputation as “a pioneer, a trailblazer with public relations agency. Blank Rome will continue to host a landmark of distinctive contributions that have lifted an array of thoughtful and engaging events on a wide our city, our region and its people to greater heights,” as selection of topics in the months to come for our Spotlight stated by the organization’s program chairwoman, Ruthie participants. p D. King, during the awards ceremony held on Saturday, February 23, in Youngstown, Ohio.

Michelle Ann Gitlitz Named 2018 Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and Fintech Trailblazer by National Law Journal and New York Law Journal

Blank Rome Partner Michelle Ann Gitlitz was named a 2018 Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and Fintech Trailblazer by the National Law Journal and New York Law Journal. The Blank Rome attorneys and Spotlight participants at honorees for this inaugural category were notably selected our Firm’s Spotlight networking reception held on October 9. for making great strides in the increasingly intertwined world of finance and technology, and “moving the needle” in facilitating these new technologies and digital currencies. Judge Jones receives Black Diamond Legacy Award. Photo courtesy of The Vindicator

24 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 5 Blank Rome Responds to Events at the Tree of Life Synagogue

This past October, Blank Rome Chairman Alan J. Hoffman personally addressed the events that unfolded at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, reaffirming our founders’ vision for our Firm as well as Blank Rome’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Dear Colleagues, (and I answered) at least a dozen times over a 10-year It feels so strange to me that the intended insult was fairly close acquaintanceship. hurled in Montana—the home of seven great Indian It was only slightly more than a year ago that I sent a message to our Firm reservations. The University of Montana hosts the Payne condemning the intolerance and hate that gave rise to tragedy in Charlottesville. I stopped answering it. Now, I just say “enough to be Family Native American Center, the first facility in the This Saturday, in Pittsburgh—a city where we maintain an office and where our enrolled.” “Enough so that my federal tax obligations are nation built to accommodate a Department of Native colleagues live, work, and worship—bigotry and hatred once again inflicted horrific governed by U.S. v. Montana.” American Studies. and devastating consequences, as 11 people were massacred at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill. The “part-Indian” thing just bothers some people. It has Mrs. Walking Eagle was right—I was surely born a white nothing to do with political parties or political leanings. It baby. But I have always been proud of my Indian heritage: Blank Rome was formed in 1946 because our founders did not stand idly by in the is something more personal and deep-seated. It is akin to my dad’s stories as a child of Chief Drum giving him candy, face of anti-Semitism and discrimination. As a firm, we have a unique heritage that brooding. of hearing the harmony of the Sioux language down by summons our courage, determination, and togetherness when bigotry rears its ugly Smoke Creek, of his great Uncle meeting Sitting Bull, head and seeks to destroy our families and our freedoms, especially our freedom of I know now that my acquaintance suspected, indeed and Sitting Bull’s refusal to ostracize dad’s Uncle Henry religious faith and expression. believed, that I have reaped benefits for which I was because he was part white. not deserving. That I should never have been admitted Our hearts and prayers are with all of those who lost their loved ones in this heinous to Harvard Law School or Oxford University? Maybe I The question “how much Indian are you” didn’t matter attack, and, during these challenging times, we will redouble our efforts to promote didn’t deserve that appellate clerkship? That I probably to that great chief; rather, he said, “Let us put our minds tolerance and civility in our society. p squandered the Sioux Tribe’s annual $75 per capita together and see what life we can make for our children.” Christmas allowance on Mad Dog 20-20? Or, worse, that I spend it all on one four-ounce glass of Opus One? The words of a leader. p

And the brooding turns to a boil and becomes so bold “How Much Indian Are You, Anyway?” by that the rich, the white, feels emboldened to scream James R. Murray was published in the Missoulian “Pocahontas!” from his soap box, no more than a couple on July 11, 2018. Reprinted with permission. hours from the Little Big Horn.

6 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 23 Blank Rome Launches Storytelling Project, WE ARE BR

This past September, Blank Rome launched WE ARE BR—One Firm, Many Stories, an internal forum created to foster deeper connections among our Firm’s colleagues by sharing the many rich and diverse stories that weave together to create our collective Firm culture.

Since its launch, Blank Rome has published three WE ARE BR stories from our colleagues each month, including topics such as lessons of acceptance learned through adoption, the influence of ancestors on one’s life, and reflections on Blank Rome Receives surviving breast cancer, to name a few. Through WE ARE BR, our Firm will continue to share stories that can inspire, elevate, and educate our colleagues, and connect us all much more closely. LCLD Compass Award

Featured on the following page is an example of a WE ARE BR story written by Blank Rome Partner James R. Murray that Blank Rome earned the 2018 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (“LCLD”) Compass was shared in November, coinciding with Native American Heritage Month. Award for our participation in and support of LCLD’s mission and programs. Blank Rome Chairman Alan J. Hoffman was honored for this achievement at the Ninth Annual LCLD Membership Meeting, held October 15–16, 2018, in Washington, D.C.

New in 2018, the Compass Award recognizes individuals and member organizations that fulfill both of the following requirements in a calendar year: 1) attendance at the LCLD Annual Meeting, and 2) participation in the LCLD Fellows, Pathfinders, and Pipeline How Much Indian Are You, Anyway? Programs (1L Scholars Program or the Success in Law School Mentoring Program).

As a longtime member organization, Blank Rome is proud to partner with LCLD in its By James R. Murray mission of helping a new and more diverse generation of attorneys ascend to positions of leadership. Last year, Blank Rome Partner Domingo Manuel Llagostera was selected as JAMES R. MURRAY our 2018 LCLD Fellow and Associates Melissa Fundora Murphy and Victoria Ortega, who are featured in our Proust Questionnaires on the following page, were selected as our In 1954, Mrs. Walking Eagle from Brockton, Montana, identity—her “genes”—resonates with me for reasons I 2018 LCLD Pathfinders. made me an Indian ceremonial quilt soon after I was can’t quite pinpoint. born. She told my mom she wanted to give it to me This year, Blank Rome Partner Diana M. Eng will join the 2019 LCLD Fellow program because I was a “cute little white baby.” But it has something to do with getting this question on and Associates Mitesh Patel and Negar M. Kordestani will join the 2019 Pathfinders so many occasions over the last decades: “How much program. p I was raised on the Fort Peck Reservation in northeastern Indian are you, anyway?” Montana. I am an enrolled member of the Sioux Tribe. My paternal grandmother was Mary St. Pierre, fluent It’s not the question as such but more the tone, which is in French and Sioux, and daughter of Lizette La Charite. always polite. However, the pitch is always a few degrees Lizette’s mother was Red Blanket, daughter of Chief insincere. Smutty Bear. It is not really a question. It is a statement. It means “you After all these years, I am still white. I am also a legal are not really an Indian” or “you are not a real Indian” or Indian. some variant.

Elizabeth Warren apparently is a non-legal Indian. A Still, for years I would always faithfully answer the putative Cherokee. The rash of press surrounding her question—until finally the same person asked me

22 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 7 The Blank Rome Proust Questionnaire When Louis Meng joined Blank Rome’s Shanghai office as a partner in the spring of 2018, he brought a new dimension Made popular by Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire was created to help readers learn all the fascinating ins and outs of to this relationship building. Louis is an adjunct professor a featured personality. With the purpose of spotlighting and getting to know Blank Rome professionals who are leaders in of law at East China University of Political Science and advancing diversity and inclusion at our Firm, Blank Rome Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Sophia Lee produced an adapted Law (“ECUPL”). Since 2015, Blank Rome had been giving Proust Questionnaire for our attorneys. In this edition of Perspectives, Associates Victoria Ortega and Melissa Fundora Murphy, interns from local law schools opportunities to train in our our 2018 LCLD Pathfinders, are featured. China office, and found that the ECUPL students were very professional with strong legal skills and impressive substantive knowledge. Blank Rome recognized the benefits of the good will and professional relationships that our Firm was Victoria Ortega is an associate in Blank Rome’s Washington, D.C., office. Her establishing with these top Chinese law students and decided practice, which covers all phases of litigation from inception through appeal, spans to enhance our relationship with ECUPL. a wide array of subject areas, including commercial litigation matters, government contracts, government investigations, white collar defense, and casino and Internet During the course of this year, ECUPL and Blank Rome gaming licensing. In 2018, Victoria received Human Rights First’s “Pro Bono Star discussed deepening our cooperation in other ways. Two Award” for demonstrating extraordinary commitment to asylum and immigration Henry Kuller and Barry Genkin meeting with potential clients. specific examples are that ECUPL offered Mike Margolis protection cases. an adjunct professorship and ECUPL hosted an afternoon For the last 10 years, Blank Rome has provided opportunities conference at which Blank Rome Secretary John Sperger to graduate students in the Temple/Tsinghua International introduced the students to our Firm and gave a presentation Studies LL.M. program, many of whom were lawyers and on tips for interviewing in a second language. The judges, to experience what it is like to work in a large U.S. presentation was given to approximately 120 ECUPL students What is your greatest fear? What is your favorite occupation? law firm. As part of this program, our Firm introduced the and faculty. Following the conference, Mike Margolis, Louis Rats finding their way into my apartment. Attorney, hands down. But my favorite job was teaching tap students to our various legal practices, and asked the students Meng, and John Sperger had dinner with the dean of the to four-year-olds. to give presentations on the Chinese legal system and their Lawyers’ Institute of ECUPL, the adjunct dean, and Caroline What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? own experiences as lawyers in China. Learn more about the Huang, the teaching assistant to the dean, to discuss Underestimating people. What do you most value in your friends? Blank Rome Temple-Tsinghua Internship in the December deepening the relationship between the organizations. What they know that I don’t. 2017 edition of Perspectives where a former intern authors What is the trait you most deplore in others? an insightful essay on her experience at our Firm. Chinese culture is deeply rooted in relationships, “Guan Selfishness. Who are your favorite writers? Xi,” and our Firm has demonstrated that we recognize the Joan Didion, David Foster Wallace, and Junot Diaz. Blank Rome attorneys visiting Shanghai frequently also give importance of building strong and lasting relationships. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? presentations on areas of U.S. law to enhance relationships Blank Rome has become a bridge between our clients and Temperance. What is your greatest regret? with local lawyers and businesses. For example, Blank Rome prospective clients and the legal services that they need in My high school GPA. Partner Scott F. Cooper gave a presentation on labor and the United States and China. p On what occasion do you lie? employment issues in the Shanghai office while visiting China To my mother about spending (is it lying if she knows I’m What is your favorite journey? to attend a Temple/Tsinghua graduation. doing it?). Falling in love. Mike Margolis and Barry Genkin building “Guan Xi.” Blank Rome Partner Mike Margolis, current head of Which talent would you most like to have? What is your favorite quote? Blank Rome’s Asia Practice, and Adam Schorr, retired A beautiful singing voice. “It is harder to be kind than clever.” chief representative in China, continued to build on these relationships, and Mike added his own contacts in the What do you consider your greatest achievement? What items do you carry with you at all times? Chinese community both in the United States and in China Changing careers to attend law school at 29 years old. Three gold bangles from Syria gifted from my grandmother. to the mix. Mike travels extensively in China, and is a frequent panelist and speaker in conferences and seminars. Blank Where would you most like to live? Rome’s network of contacts and relationships continued Mexico City, Beirut, and San Sebastian, in that order. to expand.

8 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 21 Enhancing Relationships in the Chinese Legal Community By John M. Sperger

The opening of Blank Rome’s representative office in Shanghai in 2011 was a milestone for our Melissa Fundora Murphy is an associate in Blank Rome’s Philadelphia office. She Firm. It established Blank Rome’s presence in the two largest and most dynamic economies in counsels clients on a wide range of litigation matters, including whistleblower the world. It also served as an important step in our Firm’s efforts to develop relationships in the fraud investigations, torts, commercial litigation, business matters, and issues in Chinese legal and business communities. the telecommunications sector. In 2018, Melissa was named a “Lawyer on the Fast Track” by The Legal Intelligencer, an award that honors the next generation of At the time, Chinese companies were expanding globally, and there was a great deal of interest in legal leaders who are under the age of 40. the Chinese legal community about the U.S. legal system and law firm management. This interest created an environment that was conducive to relationship building and to the mutual exchange of ideas and information.

JOHN M. SPERGER Blank Rome Partner Barry H. Genkin, the initial head of Blank Rome’s Asia Practice, and Blank Rome Partner Henry M. Kuller, our Firm’s first chief representative in China, established our What is your current state of mind? What is your favorite occupation? Firm’s presence in Shanghai and began the process of building connections with lawyers in I am just retuning to work after five months of maternity Being a lawyer, of course! China as important sources of two-way referrals. The effort took many forms—visiting law firms, leave, so my current state of mind is gratitude. I am so meetings with individual lawyers, participating in conferences, attending banquets, and hosting grateful to have welcomed a healthy baby boy and to have What is your most marked characteristic? groups of lawyers visiting the United States. had an extended time at home with him. Over the last few People usually say it’s my smile. months I also completed a yoga teacher training, so I feel healthy, focused, and ready to take on whatever comes What do you most value in your friends? in 2019. Authenticity.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? What or who is the greatest love of your life? Being outdoors with my husband and kids. My husband, rivaled by my daughter, now rivaled by my son! Lots of love to go around. What is your favorite quote? “Most good things have been said far too many times and Which talent would you most like to have? just need to be lived.” – Shane Claiborne. I read this quote The ability to pick up an instrument and just play by ear. in college and it has always stuck with me. Now when I see other inspiring quotes, I always think to myself, how can What do you most dislike about your appearance? this be applied to practice? I wouldn’t mind being a few inches taller!

What is your favorite holiday? Which words or phrases do you most overuse? I’ve always loved the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving I for sure say “for sure” a lot. Not for sure why, exactly. because they are times to be together with friends and family without the stress or pressure of gifts. Now that What is your motto? my daughter is three, however, Christmas is really fun to “I’ll sleep when I’m dead!” experience through her eyes. This year we spent Christmas with my three brothers and their kids, making for a very What is your favorite movie from childhood? chaotic but exciting Christmas morning with eight kids Annie. I loved that movie so much as a child and saw live under the age of six! performances of it countless times with my mom and grandmother. Now my daughter loves it, too, and I can’t What is your most treasured possession? wait to take her to see it live one day. My dad’s old Duke cap (my alma mater). He passed away several years ago and it’s a special reminder of how proud What are your favorite names? and supportive he was of me. That hat has been with me This is a softball—Paloma and Finn! p on all my travels, and my husband once jumped overboard from a speeding boat to save it when it flew off my head! (He’s a keeper.)

John Sperger meets with former interns and friends in Beijing.

20 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 9 Blank Rome Achieves Certification for Participation in Mansfield Rule Program

On August 20, 2018, our Firm announced that in diverse candidates considered for leadership roles, Blank Rome has achieved Mansfield Certification equity partner promotions, and lateral hiring by firms after successfully completing Diversity Lab’s that tracked their pipelines prior to adopting the inaugural one-year Mansfield Rule pilot program. Mansfield Rule. Lisa Kirby, Director of Research & The certification recognizes 41 “trailblazing law Knowledge Sharing at Diversity Lab, further stated in firms” participating in the Mansfield Rule that have the press release that tracking candidate pipelines for affirmatively considered at least 30 percent women “every single path that leads to leadership” as well as and attorneys of color for leadership and governance increasing the diversity of these pipelines is a positive roles, equity partner promotions, and senior lateral step towards diversifying law firms’ next generation positions, to boost the representation of diverse of leaders. lawyers in law firm leadership. “The Mansfield Rule directly aligns with our Firm’s “We are honored to receive Mansfield Certification diversity and inclusion efforts and goals,” added following our participation in this important pilot Christopher A. Lewis, Partner and Chief Diversity program and diversity initiative,” said Alan J. and Inclusion Officer at Blank Rome. “We place a Hoffman, Chairman at Blank Rome. tremendous value on cultivating and promoting our James Barnes (center) speaks at CCAC’s “Men of Merit Initiative” speaker series event. diverse professionals, recognizing that it is important Also pictured are Andrew Hughey (left) and Malik Vincent with CCAC. Photo credit: J.L. Martello “Our Firm has a longstanding commitment of to continually identify opportunities for advancement participation in Diversity Lab’s diversity and inclusion and improvement in this space and to be a forward- initiatives, starting with the OnRamp Fellowship thinking firm. In doing so, we honor not only this and program in 2014 and continuing with the inaugural future generations of Blank Rome professionals, but Women in Law Hackathon and Women in Law also our Firm’s founders, who established Blank Rome Hackathon Alliance in 2016. And, this past summer, as a firm where diversity would always be welcome.” we proudly announced our partnership in the of not giving up—because when I got to Dartmouth, I was He did it at Howard, and when he got to the firm of Mansfield Rule 2.0 program. Such initiatives are In recognition of achieving Mansfield Certification, not ready. The lowest math class was calculus—I’d never Buchanan Ingersoll, he was told no African American critical to the successful growth of law firms today, Blank Rome and other participating certified firms had it. I struggled. I knew I had to step up my game. So— first-year associate had ever made partner—he became and Blank Rome welcomes the opportunity to get were able to send their newly promoted diverse later than I should have—I asked for help. By my junior the firm’s first Black partner. He was then hired away by involved and make a real and meaningful impact in and women partners to Diversity Lab Client Forum year I was equal to or better than my classmates, most of Reed Smith, becoming managing partner of its Pittsburgh the legal industry.” events. At the client forums, the diverse and whom had come from the best schools in the country.” office, then Pepper Hamilton. He is now a partner at women partners had an opportunity to learn and Blank Rome. According to Diversity Lab’s press release announcing to connect one-on-one and in small groups with After Dartmouth, Barnes went to Howard University the firms that have achieved Mansfield Certification, legal department lawyers from more than 60 legal Law School because of its history and atmosphere—and “Yeah. First Black partner is great, it’ll be in my obituary— one of the favorable outcomes of the inaugural departments from leading companies across the because he had an uncle who was a professor there. And but it’s yesterday’s news,” he said. “Be a lifetime learner. Mansfield Rule is the significant surge in firms that country. p now track and measure their candidate pipelines. because he did exceptionally well on his first-year law Be excellent today. If you see someone doing something Additionally, there is a reported incremental increase final—he was invited to a reception at one of the top you want to—ask them how it’s done. And the corollary firms in Washington, D.C. where he was introduced to to that is believe in yourself. Always bet on yourself—it’s what being a top-tier corporate lawyer could mean. the best bet you can make.” p

“Lawyers get paid well. Lawyers at big firms get paid “CCAC’s ‘Men of Merit’ to Increase Success of Black extremely well. I didn’t know jobs like this existed when Male Students,” by Christian Morrow was published in I was your age,” he said. “A lot of people get caught up in The New Pittsburgh Courier on September 14, 2018. the prestige of places like Harvard. My advice: Excel Reprinted with permission. where you are.”

10 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 19 Advancing Women in the Legal Profession James Barnes Joins Initiative Aimed at Increasing In addition to the Blank Rome Women’s Leadership Summit, featured in this edition of Perspectives starting on page 2, Success of Black Male Students below is an overview of awards and events that showcase our Firm’s commitment to and recognition for advancing women in the legal profession.

Blank Rome Partner James J. Barnes was the featured speaker at the Community College of Allegheny County’s (“CCAC”) Men of Merit Initiative speaker series event on September 6, 2018. Blank Rome Attorneys Recognized as Top Women in Law and Community Career Coaching for Future Women Lawyers The Men of Merit Initiative is a student program that focuses on increasing the retention, campus and community engagement, and academic success of male students of color. The program is open to all students of the community college and is a collaborative effort with • Partner Margaret Anne Hill named an “Influential Blank Rome Associate Alexandria M. Popovnak the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network. Biweekly meetings are held to help Woman in Energy Law” by Law360 (August 2018) presented the “Junior Lawyer’s Perspective” at the mentors provide support and endow students with critical insight on how to persevere, Duquesne University School of Law’s Career Coaching for overcome barriers, and achieve academic and life success as African American males in the • Partners Linda Kornfeld and Regina Stango Kelbon Future Women Lawyers program, held on October 25, JAMES J. BARNES 21st century. named “Top Women in Business Law” by Expert 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Guides (September 2018) For more information on this event and James’ involvement with the Men of Merit Initiative, This program for women law students featured women please read The New Pittsburgh Courier’s article, “CCAC’s ‘Men of Merit’ to Increase Success • Partners Linda Kornfeld and Ann Blair Laupheimer attorneys from various areas of law addressing small of Black Male Students,” copied in full below. named “Top 250 Women in Litigation” by Benchmark groups of students on topics such as networking, Litigation (October 2018) finding a mentor, the junior lawyer’s perspective, professionalism, courtroom etiquette, and wellness, among other topics.

CCAC’s ‘Men of Merit’ to Increase Success of Black Male Students Los Angeles Business Journal 2018 Women’s Council & Awards The Women, Diversity & Change Summit James Barnes doesn’t do divorces, wills, or criminal law. academic success of male students of color. The initiative So, he says, as far as his relatives are concerned, he’s is a collaborative effort with the Achieving the Dream Blank Rome Partner moderated the “Risk Blank Rome Partners and essentially useless. National Reform Network and helps mentors support and Stacy D. Phillips Stacy D. Phillips Laura and Resilience” panel at the Los Angeles Business Journal Reathaford participated in panel discussions at endow students with critical insight on how to persevere, 2018 Womens Council & Awards, held on June 22, 2018, CenterForce USA’s The Women, Diversity & Change But for a start-up looking to secure its intellectual overcome barriers and achieve academic and life success. property, a family business looking to take the company in Los Angeles, California. Summit, held on November 7, 2018, in San Francisco, California. public, a media conglomerate planning to buy out a Barnes’ advice along those lines was threefold: education At the Women’s Council and Awards, top business leaders competitor, or any business that needs to stay compliant is the great equalizer, always do the best work you can, in Los Angeles shared their wisdom through a series Stacy’s panel, “Increasing the Diversity of Legal & with ever-changing federal securities law, then Barnes is and don’t be afraid to ask for help. on the very short list of attorneys to call. of keynote speeches, dynamic panels, and workshops. Corporate Leadership,” discussed the impact an overall Discussion topics included women in male dominated expansion in diversity in leadership would have in the Academic success wasn’t Barnes’ problem—not at work environments, self-worth, negotiating tactics, legal and corporate world and how can diversity be And even though it was for none of those reasons, when first, anyway. As he told the students assembled in the technology, scaling your business, and much more. The increased. Laura’s “Dealing with Unconscious Bias & the Community College of Allegheny County called and auditorium at the Foerster Center, Sept. 6, his scholastic afternoon portion was highlighted by a luncheon awards Discrimination” panel covered the impact of unconscious asked him to kick off its 2018 “Men of Merit” Fall Speaker achievements in high school in New Jersey earned him an program honoring achievements of powerful women bias and how it can be dealt with and overcome. p Series, he gladly accepted. Ivy League scholarship to Dartmouth College. who make a difference throughout Los Angeles.

The series is part of the college’s broader “Men of Merit” “I grew up poor, with a single mom who was loving, but initiative, a student program focusing on increasing tough, and who made it clear that the only standard was the retention, campus-community engagement and excellence,” he said. “She also taught me the importance

18 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 11 ASSOCIATES ELECTED PARTNER (CONTINUED) Promoting LGBTQ Equality Through our partnership with TLDEF’s Name Change Project, we have helped numerous clients navigate the complex Daniel S. Morris Adam V. Orlacchio What’s in a Name? Blank Rome’s Partnership name change process to achieve this immensely lifechanging Commercial Litigation Corporate Litigation with TLDEF’s Name Change Project milestone: court-ordered name changes and legal recognition that their names accurately mirror their authentic selves. Our Philadelphia Wilmington work with the Name Change Project has a substantial positive By Bradford C. Craig, Samar Aryani-Sabet, and Blake Fink effect on our clients’ lives. Something as deceptively simple as View Web Bio View Web Bio a name to some people is of enormous import to individuals who have lived their entire lives with given names that do not reflect their true identities. A person’s name provides an individual with a sense of personal identity and uniqueness, and the significance of this work is clear and immediate. Lauren E. O’Donnell Gregory F. Vizza Commercial Litigation Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy BRADFORD C. CRAIG SAMAR ARYANI-SABET BLAKE FINK Philadelphia Houston People spend a good amount of time thinking about names. “It has been an absolute pleasure having you guys Future parents and pet parents scour baby books, blogs, represent me through my legal name change. View Web Bio View Web Bio magazines, and the Internet to find the perfect name. We As well, the work you have provided people in assume nicknames for ourselves and for others. We get the trans community is life changing, I know this OF COUNSEL ELECTED PARTNER married and adopt our spouse’s surname, or they adopt first hand. You have provided me something that ours, or we combine them to create new last names, or we will allow me a great amount of peace, comfort, keep our given surnames. Or we get divorced and change and solidarity, and I cannot thank you enough. I our names again. Names are incredibly significant. What Diana M. Eng Jonathan T. Keen am able to pursue things I couldn’t before, and I we call ourselves—and how others refer to us and perceive no longer will get funny looks or have to explain Consumer Finance Corporate, M&A, and Securities us based on that name—goes to the core of our being, New York Los Angeles our individuality, our reputation, our identity. But for some myself whenever someone needs to check my people, the names they were given at birth clash with who ID. These are things most people take for granted View Web Bio View Web Bio they are and how they wish to be perceived. For them, living in a world where personal identification is securing a legal name change is an important—indeed, used for almost everything now. I thank you again crucial—step in affirming their identities. for how much you have helped me.” ASSOCIATES ELEVATED TO OF COUNSEL – Client Testimonial Since early 2016, Blank Rome has partnered with the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund’s (“TLDEF”) Martin S. Krezalek Carmen I. Pagan Name Change Project to provide invaluable assistance to low- The significant impact a legal name change has on each and Corporate Litigation Real Estate income transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary every client is why we are so passionate about our work with individuals looking to secure legal name changes. Founded New York New York the Name Change Project and what motivates us to continue in 2003, TLDEF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is helping as many clients as we can. With our assistance, our to end discrimination and achieve equality for transgender View Web Bio View Web Bio clients are able to maneuver through a tricky legal process individuals, particularly those in vulnerable communities. to successfully change their names and, ultimately, achieve a TLDEF’s Name Change Project provides pro bono legal name greater sense of personal identity. change services in and around Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York City, and several other locales through partnerships with This is why we do this work, and we look forward to some of the nation’s premier law firms and corporate law continuing to change lives through these rewarding Josef W. Mintz Lauren B. Wilgus departments, including us at Blank Rome and several of our experiences. We hope you will join us! corporate clients. Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy Maritime and International Trade Philadelphia New York

View Web Bio View Web Bio

12 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 17 2019 Promotions: We congratulate this exceptional group of 30th Annual Lavender Law® Conference & Career Fair “ attorneys on their new roles at Blank Rome. 12 Partners and 4 Of Counsel Our Firm’s elevation decisions are a long-term investment into the future of Blank Rome, and Blank Rome was proud to be a sponsor of the 30th Annual Lavender Law® Conference & Career Fair, held August 8–10, 2018, in New York City. Lavender Law is hosted by the National LGBT Bar Association, an affiliate of the American Bar we are confident that this group of talented Blank Rome is pleased to announce that 12 associates and two Association. Since its inception in 1988, Lavender Law has excelled as a “family reunion” for lesbian, gay, bisexual, attorneys will continue to provide our clients of counsel have been elected partner, and four associates have transgender, and allied legal professionals to both look back at the shared history of achievement and to look forward to with outstanding service as well as further been elevated to of counsel, effective January 1, 2019. the advancements being made at the cutting edge of the legal profession. strengthen our capabilities and offerings.” – Grant S. Palmer, Managing Partner and CEO Blank Rome Partner Linda Kornfeld presented at this past Lavender Law as part of the conference’s Corporate Counsel Institute. Her session, “Cyber Nightmare: Protecting Data under U.S. and European Union Laws and Regulations,” covered ASSOCIATES ELECTED PARTNER how to risk manage around the EU’s Global Data Protection Regulation through careful monitoring of internal data protection policies and contracts with outside vendors, while ensuring robust insurance policy protections are in place should a cyber incident occur. Beth Bernstein Connors Andrew T. Hambelton Real Estate Corporate Litigation New York New York

View Web Bio View Web Bio 2018 Pro Bono Hero Awards

To honor their tireless efforts with the TLDEF Name Change Project, Blank Rome Ryan C. Craig Joshua A. Huber presented our participating attorneys with Real Estate Corporate Litigation “Pro Bono Hero Awards” at our Firm’s Washington, D.C. Houston annual Pro Bono Recognition events held this summer. Pictured from our Philadelphia View Web Bio View Web Bio office are Associates Samar Aryani-Sabet, Bradford C. Craig, and Dalila J. Berry, and Partners Sophia Lee and Kathy E. Ochroch.

Katherine Franco Stephanie Gantman Kaplan Intellectual Property & Technology Labor & Employment Houston Philadelphia William Way Community Center View Web Bio View Web Bio LGBTQ+ Life Planning Clinic

In December 2018, volunteer attorneys and professional staff from Blank Rome’s Philadelphia office teamed Ariel S. Glasner Domingo Manuel Llagostera up with SeniorLAW Center, PNC Bank, and the City of Philadelphia’s Office of White Collar Defense & Investigations Intellectual Property & Technology LGBT Affairs to prepare life planning Washington, D.C. Houston documents for senior citizens at the William Way Community Center, the View Web Bio View Web Bio premiere LGBTQ+ community center Volunteers from Blank Rome, SeniorLAW Center, PNC, and the serving the Philadelphia region. p Office of LGBT Affairs at the William Way Life Planning Clinic.

16 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 13 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Updates

Blank Rome is pleased to formally announce updates to our Firm’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officers, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Affinity Group names and leadership, as outlined below.

Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officers: Blank Rome Partner 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Committee: Diversity and Sophia Lee will join Partner Christopher A. Lewis as our Firm’s inclusion remain core values of our Firm and are essential Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. Sophia is the former to the success of our Strategic Plan. We also recognize the diversity chair for the Philadelphia Bar Association, a past importance of engaging as many of our colleagues as possible 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Committee co-president of the Philadelphia Diversity Law Group, a past through service on our Diversity and Inclusion Committee president and current board member of the Asian Pacific and as Affinity Group leaders. As such, we are pleased to and Affinity Group Leadership American Bar Association of Pennsylvania, and a past board announce the following changes to our Diversity and Inclusion member of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. Committee, which will be co-chaired by Partners Sophia Lee Together, they will collaborate on advancing our Firm’s and Carlos F. Ortiz, and to our Affinity Group leadership, who commitment to diversity and inclusion at Blank Rome, with our will meet with our Diversity and Inclusion Committee on an clients, and in the communities in which we live and work. ongoing basis.

Renaming of Affinity Groups: Consistent with the desires Blank Rome congratulates our colleagues who are beginning expressed last year and voted upon at our Firm’s Attorneys their new roles, and thanks those who are concluding their of Color and LGBTQ+ Retreat in October, the name of our roles for their ongoing contributions to our Firm. p Attorneys of Color Affinity Group has been changed to BR United and the name of our LGBTQ+ Affinity Group has been changed to BR Pride.

2019 Diversity and Inclusion Committee Members (Effective March 2019)

CO-CHAIRS: Sophia Lee (PHL) • Carlos F. Ortiz (NY)* AFFINITY GROUP LEADERSHIP

2019 Diversity and Inclusion Committee Members (Effective March 2019)

CO-CHAIRS: Sophia Lee (PHL) • Carlos F. Ortiz (NY)* AFFINITY GROUP LEADERSHIP

MEMBERS (BY OFFICE) EX OFFICIO BR PRIDE HOUSTON Alan J. Hoffman (PHL)* Effective March 2019 Jeremy A. Herschaft Grant S. Palmer (PHL)* CO-CHAIRS Liz Klingensmith* Brooke T. Iley (D.C.) Beth Bernstein Connors (NY) Domingo M. LLagostera* Kathleen A. Cunningham (NY)* Bradford C. Craig (PHL)* LOS ANGELES Mark I. Rabinowitz (PHL)* Linda Kornfeld (LA)* Shadi Enos Jahangir* Julie Dressing (D.C.) Jason S. Kim Donna M. Branca (PHL) BR UNITED Linda Kornfeld* Ori Portnoy (NY) Effective March 2019 NEW YORK Lisa Bochner (LA)* CO-CHAIRS Mayling C. Blanco Karyn Cleveland-Barnes (D.C.)* Cheryl S. Chang (LA) Michael A. Scheffler Ellisa Cruz (PHL)* Diana M. Eng (NY) PHILADELPHIA Morgan Fraser Mouchette (NY) Yelena M. Barychev EMERITUS Russell T. Wong (HOU)* Lisa Casey Spaniel Susan L. Bickley (HOU)* James T. Giles* Deborah A. Franzblau (NYC)* WOMEN’S FORUM Mark M. Lee* Nathaniel R. Jones (CIN)* Announced and Effective May 2018 Charles S. Marion* Christopher A. Lewis (PHL)* CHAIR PITTSBURGH Deborah A. Skakel (NY)* Eddie L. Edwards* VICE-CHAIRS PRINCETON Linsey B. Bozzelli (PHL)* Adrienne C. Rogove Michelle Ann Gitlitz (NY)* WASHINGTON, D.C. John A. Gibbons* James D. Kelly* WILMINGTON Victoria A. Guilfoyle * New member and/or role Not pictured are Lisa Bochner, Linsey B. Bozzelli, Karyn Cleveland-Barnes, Ellisa Cruz, Brooke T. Iley, and Ori Portnoy. 2019 Promotions: We congratulate this exceptional group of 30th Annual Lavender Law® Conference & Career Fair “ attorneys on their new roles at Blank Rome. 12 Partners and 4 Of Counsel Our Firm’s elevation decisions are a long-term investment into the future of Blank Rome, and Blank Rome was proud to be a sponsor of the 30th Annual Lavender Law® Conference & Career Fair, held August 8–10, 2018, in New York City. Lavender Law is hosted by the National LGBT Bar Association, an affiliate of the American Bar we are confident that this group of talented Blank Rome is pleased to announce that 12 associates and two Association. Since its inception in 1988, Lavender Law has excelled as a “family reunion” for lesbian, gay, bisexual, attorneys will continue to provide our clients of counsel have been elected partner, and four associates have transgender, and allied legal professionals to both look back at the shared history of achievement and to look forward to with outstanding service as well as further been elevated to of counsel, effective January 1, 2019. the advancements being made at the cutting edge of the legal profession. strengthen our capabilities and offerings.” – Grant S. Palmer, Managing Partner and CEO Blank Rome Partner Linda Kornfeld presented at this past Lavender Law as part of the conference’s Corporate Counsel Institute. Her session, “Cyber Nightmare: Protecting Data under U.S. and European Union Laws and Regulations,” covered ASSOCIATES ELECTED PARTNER how to risk manage around the EU’s Global Data Protection Regulation through careful monitoring of internal data protection policies and contracts with outside vendors, while ensuring robust insurance policy protections are in place should a cyber incident occur. Beth Bernstein Connors Andrew T. Hambelton Real Estate Corporate Litigation New York New York

View Web Bio View Web Bio 2018 Pro Bono Hero Awards

Katherine Franco Stephanie Gantman Kaplan Intellectual Property & Technology Labor & Employment Houston Philadelphia William Way Community Center View Web Bio View Web Bio LGBTQ+ Life Planning Clinic

16 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 13 ASSOCIATES ELECTED PARTNER (CONTINUED) Promoting LGBTQ Equality Through our partnership with TLDEF’s Name Change Project, we have helped numerous clients navigate the complex Daniel S. Morris Adam V. Orlacchio What’s in a Name? Blank Rome’s Partnership name change process to achieve this immensely lifechanging Commercial Litigation Corporate Litigation with TLDEF’s Name Change Project milestone: court-ordered name changes and legal recognition that their names accurately mirror their authentic selves. Our Philadelphia Wilmington work with the Name Change Project has a substantial positive By Bradford C. Craig, Samar Aryani-Sabet, and Blake Fink effect on our clients’ lives. Something as deceptively simple as View Web Bio View Web Bio a name to some people is of enormous import to individuals who have lived their entire lives with given names that do not reflect their true identities. A person’s name provides an individual with a sense of personal identity and uniqueness, and the significance of this work is clear and immediate. Lauren E. O’Donnell Gregory F. Vizza Commercial Litigation Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy BRADFORD C. CRAIG SAMAR ARYANI-SABET BLAKE FINK Philadelphia Houston People spend a good amount of time thinking about names. “It has been an absolute pleasure having you guys Future parents and pet parents scour baby books, blogs, represent me through my legal name change. View Web Bio View Web Bio magazines, and the Internet to find the perfect name. We As well, the work you have provided people in assume nicknames for ourselves and for others. We get the trans community is life changing, I know this OF COUNSEL ELECTED PARTNER married and adopt our spouse’s surname, or they adopt first hand. You have provided me something that ours, or we combine them to create new last names, or we will allow me a great amount of peace, comfort, keep our given surnames. Or we get divorced and change and solidarity, and I cannot thank you enough. I our names again. Names are incredibly significant. What Diana M. Eng Jonathan T. Keen am able to pursue things I couldn’t before, and I we call ourselves—and how others refer to us and perceive no longer will get funny looks or have to explain Consumer Finance Corporate, M&A, and Securities us based on that name—goes to the core of our being, New York Los Angeles our individuality, our reputation, our identity. But for some myself whenever someone needs to check my people, the names they were given at birth clash with who ID. These are things most people take for granted View Web Bio View Web Bio they are and how they wish to be perceived. For them, living in a world where personal identification is securing a legal name change is an important—indeed, used for almost everything now. I thank you again crucial—step in affirming their identities. for how much you have helped me.” ASSOCIATES ELEVATED TO OF COUNSEL – Client Testimonial Since early 2016, Blank Rome has partnered with the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund’s (“TLDEF”) Martin S. Krezalek Carmen I. Pagan Name Change Project to provide invaluable assistance to low- The significant impact a legal name change has on each and Corporate Litigation Real Estate income transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary every client is why we are so passionate about our work with individuals looking to secure legal name changes. Founded New York New York the Name Change Project and what motivates us to continue in 2003, TLDEF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is helping as many clients as we can. With our assistance, our to end discrimination and achieve equality for transgender View Web Bio View Web Bio clients are able to maneuver through a tricky legal process individuals, particularly those in vulnerable communities. to successfully change their names and, ultimately, achieve a TLDEF’s Name Change Project provides pro bono legal name greater sense of personal identity. change services in and around Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York City, and several other locales through partnerships with This is why we do this work, and we look forward to some of the nation’s premier law firms and corporate law continuing to change lives through these rewarding Josef W. Mintz Lauren B. Wilgus departments, including us at Blank Rome and several of our experiences. We hope you will join us! corporate clients. Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy Maritime and International Trade Philadelphia New York

View Web Bio View Web Bio

12 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 17 Advancing Women in the Legal Profession James Barnes Joins Initiative Aimed at Increasing In addition to the Blank Rome Women’s Leadership Summit, featured in this edition of Perspectives starting on page 2, Success of Black Male Students below is an overview of awards and events that showcase our Firm’s commitment to and recognition for advancing women in the legal profession.

18 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 11 Blank Rome Achieves Certification for Participation in Mansfield Rule Program

10 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 19 Enhancing Relationships in the Chinese Legal Community By John M. Sperger

John Sperger meets with former interns and friends in Beijing.

20 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 9 The Blank Rome Proust Questionnaire When Louis Meng joined Blank Rome’s Shanghai office as a partner in the spring of 2018, he brought a new dimension Made popular by Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire was created to help readers learn all the fascinating ins and outs of to this relationship building. Louis is an adjunct professor a featured personality. With the purpose of spotlighting and getting to know Blank Rome professionals who are leaders in of law at East China University of Political Science and advancing diversity and inclusion at our Firm, Blank Rome Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Sophia Lee produced an adapted Law (“ECUPL”). Since 2015, Blank Rome had been giving Proust Questionnaire for our attorneys. In this edition of Perspectives, Associates Victoria Ortega and Melissa Fundora Murphy, interns from local law schools opportunities to train in our our 2018 LCLD Pathfinders, are featured. China office, and found that the ECUPL students were very professional with strong legal skills and impressive substantive knowledge. Blank Rome recognized the benefits of the good will and professional relationships that our Firm was Victoria Ortega is an associate in Blank Rome’s Washington, D.C., office. Her establishing with these top Chinese law students and decided practice, which covers all phases of litigation from inception through appeal, spans to enhance our relationship with ECUPL. a wide array of subject areas, including commercial litigation matters, government contracts, government investigations, white collar defense, and casino and Internet During the course of this year, ECUPL and Blank Rome gaming licensing. In 2018, Victoria received Human Rights First’s “Pro Bono Star discussed deepening our cooperation in other ways. Two Award” for demonstrating extraordinary commitment to asylum and immigration Henry Kuller and Barry Genkin meeting with potential clients. specific examples are that ECUPL offered Mike Margolis protection cases. an adjunct professorship and ECUPL hosted an afternoon For the last 10 years, Blank Rome has provided opportunities conference at which Blank Rome Secretary John Sperger to graduate students in the Temple/Tsinghua International introduced the students to our Firm and gave a presentation Studies LL.M. program, many of whom were lawyers and on tips for interviewing in a second language. The judges, to experience what it is like to work in a large U.S. presentation was given to approximately 120 ECUPL students What is your greatest fear? What is your favorite occupation? law firm. As part of this program, our Firm introduced the and faculty. Following the conference, Mike Margolis, Louis Rats finding their way into my apartment. Attorney, hands down. But my favorite job was teaching tap students to our various legal practices, and asked the students Meng, and John Sperger had dinner with the dean of the to four-year-olds. to give presentations on the Chinese legal system and their Lawyers’ Institute of ECUPL, the adjunct dean, and Caroline What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? own experiences as lawyers in China. Learn more about the Huang, the teaching assistant to the dean, to discuss Underestimating people. What do you most value in your friends? Blank Rome Temple-Tsinghua Internship in the December deepening the relationship between the organizations. What they know that I don’t. 2017 edition of Perspectives where a former intern authors What is the trait you most deplore in others? an insightful essay on her experience at our Firm. Chinese culture is deeply rooted in relationships, “Guan Selfishness. Who are your favorite writers? Xi,” and our Firm has demonstrated that we recognize the Joan Didion, David Foster Wallace, and Junot Diaz. Blank Rome attorneys visiting Shanghai frequently also give importance of building strong and lasting relationships. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? presentations on areas of U.S. law to enhance relationships Blank Rome has become a bridge between our clients and Temperance. What is your greatest regret? with local lawyers and businesses. For example, Blank Rome prospective clients and the legal services that they need in My high school GPA. Partner Scott F. Cooper gave a presentation on labor and the United States and China. p On what occasion do you lie? employment issues in the Shanghai office while visiting China To my mother about spending (is it lying if she knows I’m What is your favorite journey? to attend a Temple/Tsinghua graduation. doing it?). Falling in love. Mike Margolis and Barry Genkin building “Guan Xi.” Blank Rome Partner Mike Margolis, current head of Which talent would you most like to have? What is your favorite quote? Blank Rome’s Asia Practice, and Adam Schorr, retired A beautiful singing voice. “It is harder to be kind than clever.” chief representative in China, continued to build on these relationships, and Mike added his own contacts in the What do you consider your greatest achievement? What items do you carry with you at all times? Chinese community both in the United States and in China Changing careers to attend law school at 29 years old. Three gold bangles from Syria gifted from my grandmother. to the mix. Mike travels extensively in China, and is a frequent panelist and speaker in conferences and seminars. Blank Where would you most like to live? Rome’s network of contacts and relationships continued Mexico City, Beirut, and San Sebastian, in that order. to expand.

8 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 21 Blank Rome Launches Storytelling Project, WE ARE BR

22 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 7 Blank Rome Responds to Events at the Tree of Life Synagogue

6 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 23 More Blank Rome in the News In addition to the accolades and stories featured throughout this edition of Perspectives, below are some recent recognitions, appointments, and events that our attorneys have made headlines with. For a full list of recent news items, visit blankrome.com/diversity-inclusion.

AWARDS Cheryl Chang Named “Most Influential Minority Blank Rome Partners Recognized Attorney” by Los Angeles Business Journal as Inquirer’s 2018 Influencers of Law SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM

Michelle Ann Gitlitz Named 2018 Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and Fintech Trailblazer by National Law Journal and New York Law Journal

24 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 5 Update on Winning 2017 Hackathon Ideas

4 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 25 EVENTS (CONTINUED)

The Winning 2018 Hackathon Ideas

Judges’ Winner Crowd Favorite Topic: Delivering Value & Increasing Organizational Efficiency Topic: Diversity & Inclusion

Blank Rome Concierge Blockchain of Women

26 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 3 New York Office Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Blank Rome Women’s Leadership Summit

Blank Rome was proud to host the Second Annual Blank Rome Women’s Leadership Summit, which was held October 18–19, 2018, in Washington, D.C.

2 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 27 EVENTS (CONTINUED)

Diversity: An Inclusive Culture or Window Dressing?

28 • PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES • 1 Navigating Your Career as a Diverse Attorney: Knowing What’s Next

L to R: Brenda Marrero, Community Legal Services; Tiffany Southerland, Pepper Hamilton; Sophia Lee, Blank Rome; and Crystal Espanol, City of Philadelphia.

PERSPECTIVES • 29 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT Blank Rome is committed to excellence in our fields of endeavor. We recognize that a diversity of ideas, backgrounds, and experiences is essential to fulfilling this commitment. We endeavor to recruit, hire, promote, and retain—on the basis of demonstrated talent and initiative—individuals throughout our Firm representing, among other things, different races, genders, ethnic groups, religions, sexual orientation, and national origins. We also endeavor to be inclusive of individuals with disabilities.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Please see page 14 for our recently appointed 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Committee members.

Cincinnati • Fort Lauderdale • Houston • Los Angeles • New York • Philadelphia • Pittsburgh Princeton • San Francisco • Shanghai • Tampa • Washington • Wilmington

blankrome.com/diversity-inclusion