Page 9 - Katten Annual Diversity Review
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Y important, according to Brandon, Diane and Peter Conference & Career Fair in San Francisco in August.
Ballance, a Real Estate partner in our Los Angeles – At the retreat, attorneys will convene to share ideas
Century City office and the third co-chair of our on new ways to help foster a welcoming, supportive
LGBT Coalition, are the actions they inspire. environment for LGBT attorneys at Katten and to
develop a plan to roll them out.
“I’m proud of the fact that I’m at a firm that has this
high ranking,” says Peter, “but I’m also proud that Supporting the Wider LGBT
it’s actually based in something that I’ve experienced Community
myself. It’s not just an ‘on paper this is what we
offer’ type of commitment. It’s showed up in my life Katten’s LGBT attorneys also launch and support
through what the firm provides on a daily basis, and new initiatives outside the firm. “I’m working with a
that makes it a great place to work.” group of attorneys to form an LGBT resource group
in the DC area,” says Brandon. “We’ve invited law
Inclusion: More Than Just Policies firms, accounting firms, persons from the federal
government—all of whom are either heads of diversity
Katten not only offers progressive work benefits, programs or are responsible for diversity at their
but promotes a diverse culture related to sexual organization—to discuss best practices and steps we
orientation and gender identity, assists with can take to promote LGBT persons from within . . .
identifying innovative programs and initiatives that to make them feel comfortable, to make them feel
the firm can take part in, and helps foster an inclusive included, and to make sure they have the opportunity
environment for LGBT attorneys and new recruits. to grow their careers.”
This includes sponsoring and attending events such
as the HRC’s Gala in Chicago, the Lesbian and Gay Peter is actively involved in the Los Angeles Lesbian
Law Association Foundation of Greater New York’s and Gay Real Estate Group, as well as the LGBT Bar
Annual Dinner, and the LGBT Bar Association Association of Los Angeles. “I find great value in
of Los Angeles’ Annual Gala. In addition, we connecting with other LGBT professionals in LA,
have hosted events for LGBT law school student exploring ways to collaborate and discovering how I
organizations, such as the University of Chicago can involve Katten where possible,” he said.
Law School’s OutLaw Mentoring Program, as well as
for industry groups, including both the Los Angeles All three co-chairs agree that Katten is an LGBT-
and New York Lesbian and Gay Real Estate Groups. friendly environment that supports the balance of client
service with family life and community involvement.
One new addition to our roster of firm events in As Peter puts it, “I’m building a practice, and it’s going
2017 is a retreat for Katten’s LGBT attorneys, which well. I have great colleagues, and my life is good here. I
will coincide with this year’s Annual Lavender Law can’t imagine a better place to be than Katten.”
Brandon D. Hadley Diane E. Bell Peter D. Ballance
PARTNER PARTNER PARTNER
TAX PLANNING CORPORATE REAL ESTATE
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