Diversity & Community Service mosaics Dear Employees, Clients and Friends of Kramer Levin, I hope that you enjoy this edition of Mosaics, which details our recent diversity Fall 2011 efforts. Kramer Levin’s actions — in particular, our robust pro bono work — set our firm apart from many others that share a commitment to diversity. Among 1 NAFE and Flex-Time Lawyers many of the pro bono matters of which we are proud is our role as counsel in Salute Kramer Levin as a 2011 Hernandez v. Robles, the groundbreaking case seeking marriage equality for same- Best Law Firm for Women sex couples, which precipitated the debate that led to the passage of New York’s 2 Governor Cuomo Recognizes marriage equality law. We are honored that Governor Andrew Cuomo recognized Kramer Levin’s Contributions to the firm this summer for this contribution. Marriage Equality in New York 2 Kramer Levin Rates as One of Kramer Levin’s pro bono work is reflective of our overall belief in diversity. We are as the Nation’s Best Law Firms for pleased about the recognition from the Governor as we are about other recent honors Diversity we have received for our diversity efforts. In October, we were named a Top Company 2 President Obama Nominates for LGBT Equality by Work Life Matters magazine, an honor bestowed on only Matan Koch to National Council a handful of firms. In September, the National Association for Female Executives on Disability; Congress Confirms and Flex-Time Lawyers honored us as a Best Law Firm for Women. And in 2011 the Vault survey of law firm associates ranked us one of the Top 20 Best Law Firms 3 Spotlights for Overall Diversity, and third in the nation in GLBT Diversity. 3 Fountain House Honors Kramer Levin as Outstanding Employer While we are appreciative of these accolades, they are not the driving force of our 3 Kramer Levin Attorneys and Staff diversity efforts. Rather, we are motivated by our belief that a more inclusive to Receive Legal Aid Society workforce and engagement in our community make us better lawyers and more 2011 Pro Bono Publico Award effective advocates for our clients. 4 Outside Support to Cultural Norman C. Simon Groups Partner; Member, Diversity Committee 4 Kramer Levin Selected as One of Work Life Matters NAFE and Flex-Time Lawyers Salute Magazine’s Top Companies for LGBT Equality for 2011 Kramer Levin as a 2011 Best Law Firm 5 An Interview with Litigation for Women Partner Jennifer L. Rochon The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) and Flex-Time Lawyers 6 Diversity Initiatives & announced Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP as a NAFE and Flex-Time Speaker Series Lawyers Best Law Firm for Women. 7 Kramer Levin Attorneys and Staff Honored by Sanctuary for The firm has worked hard to address issues of importance to its women Families attorneys and clients, and continues to offer programs and opportunities that support their development. During the past year, the firm’s Women’s 7 Women’s Initiatives Initiatives Committee sponsored multiple events addressing issues relevant to 7 Kramer Levin Successful the retention and promotion of women lawyers, including workshops conducted with Veteran Assistance on communications skills, career development and personal business planning. 8 Diversity and Community Additionally, the firm recognizes the importance of work-life balance by offering Calendar generous leave policies, back up child-care and flexible part-time schedules. This is the second year that Kramer Levin has been named as a Best Law Firm for Women. n Attorney Advertising www.kramerlevin.com Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP 2 Diversity & Community Service Mosaics Governor Cuomo Recognizes Kramer Levin’s Contributions to Marriage Equality in New York Jeffrey S. Trachtman and Norman C. Simon certificates of appreciation in recognition of Kramer Levin’s pro bono contributions to achieving marriage equality in New York. Kramer Levin served as co-counsel with Lambda Legal in Hernandez v. Robles, which sought recognition of a right to marry under the New York Constitution, as well as a series of cases establishing respect in New York for valid out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples. In his remarks, Mr. David said that Kramer Levin’s work pushing forward the marriage issue in New York helped make clear that there was no good reason to exclude same-sex couples from civil marriage, so that by 2011 the main debate was over the scope of religious exemptions rather than the basic Left to right: Kramer Levin Partners Eric Tirschwell, Jeff Trachtman, right to marry. Norm Simon and Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights Alphonso David Also in attendance were Hernandez clients Jo-Ann Shain On August 4, 2011, acting on behalf of New York Governor and Mary Jo Kennedy, who were married July 24, the day Andrew Cuomo, Alphonso David, the Governor’s Deputy the marriage equality law went into effect. n Secretary for Civil Rights, presented Kramer Levin partners Kramer Levin Rates as One of the Nation’s Best Law Firms for Diversity Kramer Levin is once again ranked in the Vault survey 14th consecutive year. This year, Vault received responses of law firm associates as one of the top law firms in the from nearly 16,000 law firm associates from approximately nation in diversity. Vault’s diversity rankings are part of 300 law firms. Associates were asked to rate their firms’ the annual law firm associate survey and have been a critical commitments to diversity regarding women, minorities aspect of the survey since its inception; the survey is in its and LGBT. n President Obama Nominates Matan Koch to National Council on Disability; Congress Confirms On July 5, President Barack In September, Congress confirmed this position. Matan Obama nominated Litigation has extensive involvement in the disability community, associate Matan A. Koch to including having served as Vice Chairman of the New be a member of the National Haven Commission on Disabilities, where he chaired the Matan A. Koch Council on Disability. Americans with Disabilities Act Subcommittee. n Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP Diversity & Community Service Mosaics 3 Spotlights Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Program. He is majoring in Electrical Engineering and is expected to This past summer, Kramer Levin continued its support of graduate with the class of 2015. the Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Corporate Cristo Rey New York High School serves students of all Law program by hosting intern Raymond Palmer. The SEO faiths who have demonstrated the potential and motivation Program is the nation’s premier summer internship for to achieve success and who do not have the financial means talented students of color. Kramer Levin’s intern, Mr. Palmer, to attend another private, college-prep school. Students in is an outstanding student from Harvard College and is the Work Study program work one day a week during the attending Harvard Law School this fall. During his time here, school year to cover their tuition. Ray worked with many of our attorneys on several projects in various departments. In addition to sponsoring an intern, YouthBridge-NY Engaging Workplace Diversity the firm also participated in a discussion series to apprise all Program. Another summer intern at the firm was Grace SEO Corporate Law interns about judicial clerkships which Choi, a junior at Preston High School and participant in the featured Jared Heller, Kramer Levin litigation attorney and YouthBridge-NY Fellowship. The Fellowship is a two-year former clerk for Magistrate Judge Patty Shwartz, U.S. District leadership training program made up of diverse high school Court, District of New Jersey. teens from and around New York City. Kramer Levin is one of only two law firms participating in this program. Cristo Rey Corporate Internship Program. This past summer, Kramer Levin continued its support to the Cristo YouthBridge NY is a non-profit organization in New York Rey Corporate Work Study Program by hosting Senior City training extraordinary teens from diverse ethnic and Cristo Rey Student intern Eduardo Jimenez. Eduardo racial backgrounds to master the skills they will need to graduated from Cristo Rey New York High School this year become New York City’s next generation of leaders. n and will continue his education at SUNY Canton University. Fountain House Honors Kramer Levin as Outstanding Employer On November 15, 2011, Kramer Levin will be honored since 1999 and has employed more than 49 people through as an Outstanding Employer by Fountain House. the program. By working with Fountain House, Kramer Fountain House, a professional self-help program located Levin has been rewarded by employing enthusiastic and in New York City, is operated by men and women well-trained employees. Additionally, participants in the recovering from major mental illness, collaborating with program have benefited through productivity, fulfillment a professional staff. The organization uses the Clubhouse of aspiration, and the ability to resume their lives. Larry D. Model of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, which focuses on Williams, Kramer Levin’s Director of Office Services providing opportunities for people with mental illness to and Kevon Johnson, a manager in the Offices Services work for pay, to engage with each other to regain their department, will be receiving the Fountain House award productivity and self-confidence and to re-enter society. on behalf of the firm. n Kramer Levin has been an active participant in the program Kramer Levin Attorneys and Staff to Receive Legal Aid Society 2011 Pro Bono Publico Award Kramer Levin attorneys and staff will be honored by the who will receive the award on November 9, 2011. Each Legal Aid Society as recipients of the 2011 Pro Bono Publico year, the Legal Aid Society recognizes the outstanding work Award for outstanding services to the Legal Aid Society of volunteer lawyers, law firms, corporations and other and its clients.