ADVANCING
Jenner & Block is committed to advancing our diverse lawyers and professional staff, who are leaders in the firm, the legal industry, and their fields. As we share and celebrate their successes, we also look to grow and empower the next generation of diverse leaders.
Women Leaders at Jenner & Block: Proudly Serving, Delivering Excellence, and Investing in Others
In June 2008, former Partner Susan Levy became Jenner & Block’s first female firm Managing Partner, and in February 2022, the firm reached a new milestone when Partner Melissa Root became the first-ever Managing Partner of the Chicago office. In between those years, women continued to join the ranks of leadership – including in 2016, when Partner Susan Kohlmann became Managing Partner of the New York office, and in 2020, when Partner Katya Jestin joined Partner Randy Mehrberg as Co-Managing Partner of the firm.
In addition to their leadership roles at the firm, Melissa and Susan also achieved public recognition of their accomplishments in 2022. Melissa was inducted into the American College of Bankruptcy, honoring her professional excellence and exceptional contributions to the bankruptcy and insolvency field. Susan became the 70th president of the New York City Bar Association in May, having previously served as a vice president.
Although she stepped down from her role as the New York office Managing Partner in April 2022, Susan remains deeply involved in Jenner & Block’s DEI efforts. She is a co-chair of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee as well as a member of the Policy Committee and our Pro Bono Committee.
Melissa is a member of the firm’s Management Committee; a former co-chair of the firm’s Hiring Executive Committee; the co-chair of the Women’s Forum affinity group; co-chair of the Restructuring and Bankruptcy Practice; and a member of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Jenner & Block’s commitment to fostering diverse teams at the practice level was shown in May, when the firm elevated four women to roles as practice leaders: Partner Shoba Pillay, a co-chair of the Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice; Partner Anna Meresidis, a co-chair of the Corporate Practice; and Partners April Otterberg and Kirsten Hicks Spira, co-chairs of the Professional Responsibility Practice.
Partner Precious Jacobs-Perry: Rising Leader in the Legal and Chicago Communities
Not only has Precious Jacobs-Perry had significant success over the years for Jenner & Block’s clients, she is heavily involved in a number of the firm’s crucial diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Precious has been co-chair of the firm’s African American affinity group for the past seven years, actively participates in the recruitment of diverse candidates, is an active member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and has formally mentored junior associates for the past five years. Precious is also a member of the Black Women Lawyer’s Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.
In a Q&A profile with Law.com, Precious discussed her journey to Equity Partner at the firm, challenges throughout her career, and advice she would give associates as well as her younger self. "You are amazing and belong at every table you sit at, so lean in and speak up, your voice matters, you being at that table matters,” Precious said.
Precious has an active pro bono practice - she recently assisted with creating a pro bono partnership between Jenner & Block, a firm client, and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund to help obtain legal name changes for transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people. She has also advocated for women’s rights through the #MeToo Movement by representing women who have been subjected to sexual harassment and assault in the workplace.
Precious has been honored with multiple recognitions over the past few years including the James A. Seaberry Award, which honors outstanding lawyers in the African-American legal community, the Public Interest Law Initiative 2021 Distinguished Fellow Alumni Award, and she was named to Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s 40 Under Forty, class of 2021.
Jenner & Block and Partner Gail Morse: Making History in Advancing LGBTQ Civil Rights
When visitors to the Illinois Holocaust Museum walked through an exhibit that documented the struggle for LGBTQ civil rights, they learned that Jenner & Block and Partner Gail Morse hold a place in history.
“Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement” featured a photo gallery of the 400-plus inductees of the Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Fame.
Inducted in 2011, Jenner & Block is the only national law firm on the Hall of Fame’s prestigious list. As “Rise Up” explained to viewers, the “distinguished” law firm earned its spot by advocating for the LGBTQ community “in the courtroom and society.” In particular, the Hall of Fame celebrated our former partner Paul Smith’s successful argument before the US Supreme Court in Lawrence v. Texas, a Lambda Legal case that struck down anti-sodomy laws nationwide.
Gail, meanwhile, was inducted in 2015 for her efforts to secure civil rights for Chicago’s LGBTQ community through professional, community, and political leadership. At the time of her induction, the Hall of Fame noted Gail’s many efforts to give back to the community, such as working with the Illinois Department of Revenue to implement tax filings for partners in Illinois Civil Unions and serving as a frequent resource on the tax effects of same-sex marriage.
Gail has also provided pro bono counsel to nearly every established LGBTQ nonprofit in Chicago. In 2021, she began supervising firm lawyers in a partnership with the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund and its Name Change Project, which provides pro bono legal name change services to low-income transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people. That partnership continues to this day, and, through Gail’s guidance, several clients have successfully secured new names.
Gail’s advocacy has extended beyond the boundaries of Chicago. For example, since 2021, she has served on the Illinois Supreme Court’s Committee on Equality, which promotes equality and ·fairness in all aspects of the administration of justice. In 2022, she was reappointed to another one-year term.
“Rise Up” was on display through May 8, 2022.
Annual Elevations Highlight Commitment to Advancing Diverse Lawyers
Jenner & Block’s commitment to advancing opportunities for diverse lawyers is highlighted every December, when we announce elevations to partner, as well as promotions to roles such as special counsel. And the legal industry has taken notice.
In 2021, Jenner & Block was one of only 67 law firms celebrated by the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance for having 50 percent or more women in their 2021 new partner classes. That year, the firm elevated seven lawyers to partner; four of those were women. They included Lori Day, Tassity Johnson, Elin Park, and Jenna Ross.
In 2022, Yale Law Women honored our training, mentorship, and review policies for the growth of associates and opportunities for diverse lawyers. We earned the top spot in the “Advancement” category in Yale's 2022 Top Firms Report.
Earlier in 2022, 12 associates joined the ranks of partner and special counsel. Of those, nine are diverse.
Our new partners for 2022 include:
Chicago
Hanna is a member of the Energy Practice. She represents utilities in regulatory litigation and rulemakings before state commissions and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and in appeals of those agency decisions. She is regularly involved in matters including state and federal jurisdictional rate proceedings; proceedings related to grid planning, distributed resources, and electrification; acquisitions of major utility assets; and approval of innovative pilot programs.
Sheila is a member of the Real Estate Practice. She is an accomplished real estate lawyer with substantial experience representing public and privately held companies in a broad range of transactional matters, including real estate, finance, and corporate matters. Throughout her career, she has focused on acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, and development of commercial real estate.
Sarah is a member of the Business Litigation Practice. She represents clients in high-stakes commercial disputes and has a broad range of experience in all phases of litigation. Sarah has represented clients in litigation stemming from breach of contract claims, alleged environmental liabilities, insurance recovery rights, class action disputes, right to publicity claims, and other complex civil litigation matters.
New York
Jason is a member of the Business Litigation Practice and the Human Rights and Global Strategy Practice. His work focuses on matters involving complex commercial litigation and high-stakes global disputes. He regularly handles proceedings in federal and state court as well as domestic and international arbitrations. Jason counsels clients through all stages of litigation and crisis management, from pre-litigation counseling and negotiations through final appeals.
Jacob is a member of the Content, Media, and Entertainment Practice. His practice focuses on litigating and counseling clients regarding intellectual property and complex commercial disputes, primarily matters related to copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, contracts, and business torts. Many of his matters involve novel and complex copyright issues, particularly in cases where copyright law is applied to new technologies.
Washington, DC
Aaron is a member of the Investigations, Compliance, and Defense Practice and the Government Controversies and Public Policy Litigation Practice. Formerly a lead Senate investigative counsel and Department of Justice cybercrimes prosecutor, Aaron’s broad experience in all phases of complex and sensitive government investigations, from criminal matters to congressional inquiries, offers clients rare insight into cross-cutting legal, investigative, and cyber issues.
Lauren is a member of the Appellate and Supreme Court Practice and a core member of the Education Practice. In addition to appellate litigation, Lauren has an active trial practice developing legal strategy and authoring critical motions in high-stakes litigation. A member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, she represents institutions of higher education in trial and appellate courts. Colleges and universities seek her counsel on student speech, sexual misconduct, affirmative action, and more.
Katie is a core member of the Government Controversies and Public Policy Litigation Practice and a member of the Investigations, Compliance, and Defense and Congressional Investigations Practices. She represents companies and institutions facing multifaceted government investigations, often during times of intense public scrutiny. Her clients benefit from her strategic advice and legal counsel on complex legal, policy, and regulatory matters.
Camillie is a member of the Communications, Internet, and Technology Practice. She advocates for clients in Federal Communications Commission rulemaking and other regulatory proceedings; advises on spectrum auctions, licensing, and allocation; represents clients on transactional matters; and counsels clients on new technologies and services, including in connection with the burgeoning space and satellite industries. Camillie has experience with wireless, wireline, and consumer privacy and protection matters, as well as universal service support programs.
And our new special counsel for 2022 include:
Andrew is a member of the Investigations, Compliance, and Defense Practice. Along with extensive litigation experience, he has participated in multiple internal investigations involving fraud and corporate malfeasance.
Emily is a member of the Investigations, Compliance, and Defense Practice. Leveraging her experience as a former Department of Justice trial attorney, she represents and advises a wide range of companies in connection with governmental and internal investigations.
Craig is a member of the Native American Law and Government Relations Practices. He advises clients on matters of public policy with a focus on Native American affairs. Craig is a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
NALP Taps Jenner & Block Director and Manager for Leadership Roles
Courtney Carter, Jenner & Block’s DEI Director, was elected as the first Vice President for DEI of the National Association for Law Placement, an association of more than 2,500 legal career professionals who advise law students, lawyers, law offices, and law schools in North America and beyond.
In her role as Director of DEI, Courtney leads the firm’s efforts to recruit, retain, develop and advance diverse lawyers. Courtney works across the firm to develop a holistic approach to talent management and development that specifically considers and implements programs for the firm’s diverse lawyers.
Courtney received her JD from the University of Virginia Law School and her LLM from American University’s Washington College of Law. She began her career as an associate at a mid-sized law firm. Prior to joining Jenner & Block, she worked as the Director of Innovative Initiatives at Diversity Lab, where she assisted with the implementation and management of the OnRamp Fellowship and the Women in Law Hackathon. In addition to her active role with NALP, Courtney is a member of the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals and the Washington Area Legal Recruitment Administrators Association.
“I am a long-time member of NALP and am now delighted to help lead this vital institution. As NALP says, we believe in ‘fairness, facts and the power of a diverse community.’ These are powerful guiding principles and ones I embrace,” Courtney said.
Legal Recruiting and Talent Development Manager Benson Lee, meanwhile, has been elected to NALP's Nominating Committee for the West/Rocky Mountain Region.
In his role at Jenner & Block, Benson is charged with the firm’s recruiting and talent development in the West Coast offices. Benson received his MS in Human Resources from Golden Gate University and his BA from San Francisco State University. Benson has over 10 years of experience working at various AmLaw 100 firms in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley. In addition to his active role with NALP, Benson is a member of the Bay Area Legal Recruitment Association and the Los Angeles Area Legal Recruiting Association.
Tassity Johnson Recognized as National Immigrant Justice Center “Rising Star”
Partner Tassity Johnson was honored as a “Rising Star” by the National Immigrant Justice Center during the group’s 23rd Annual Human Rights Awards. Tassity was among nine lawyers recognized for ensuring access to justice for immigrants and providing high-quality pro bono services to NIJC clients.
Edward Prokop Recognized in Crain’s New York Business’ “Notable Hispanic Leaders & Executives”
Partner Edward Prokop was recognized in Crain’s New York Business among leaders who are shaping nonprofit and private companies and institutions in the New York metropolitan area. In its profile, Crain’s highlighted his role as co-chair of the firm’s Cross-Border Transactions Practice and his representation of firm client Cox Enterprise.
Megan Poetzel and Joe Torres Featured among “Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders”
Crain’s Chicago Business recognized Partners Megan Poetzel and Joe Torres for being leaders who “present an admirable picture of grace, not to mention resilience, under extreme pressure.” Megan’s profile notes her service as board co-chair of Legal Aid Chicago, while Joe’s profile highlights his leadership as the longest-serving board member of the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation. Co-Managing Partner Randy Mehrberg and Partner Wade Thomson were also recognized.
Debbie Berman Honored as “2021 Role Model by Harvard Law Society of Illinois
Partner Debbie Berman earned her JD, cum laude, from Harvard Law School and in 2021 she was honored as a role model by the Harvard Law Society of Illinois. A leader at Jenner & Block, Debbie serves as a co-chair of the Business Litigation; Trade Secrets, and Restrictive Covenants; and Media and First Amendment Practices. She is also co-chair of the firm's Pro Bono Committee.
Miwa Shoda Named among “Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys”
Partner Miwa Shoda was recognized among lawyers who are “impactful on the legal scene while serving as trusted advisors in the LA region” by the Los Angeles Business Journal. Her profile details her legal career in Japan and eventual move to the US to practice law.
Anne Cortina Perry and Alison Stein Named “Notable Women in Law”
In its celebration of women in law who “who have impacted New York City in major ways,” Crain’s New York Business featured Partners Anne Cortina Perry and Alison Stein. Among their contributions, Anne was noted for co-founding and co-chairing Jenner & Block’s Culture Risk and Sensitive Investigations Practice, while Alison was recognized for becoming the first woman to co-chair the firm’s nationally renowned Content, Media, and Entertainment Practice.
Lauren Greene Named among the “Best LGBTQ+ Lawyers Under 40”
Special Counsel Lauren Greene was recognized as one of the nation’s “Best LGBTQ+ Lawyers Under 40” by the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. As a member of the firm’s African American Affinity Group and LGBTQ Forum, Lauren serves as a mentor to younger lawyers and is committed to community involvement.
Daily Journal Recognized Michael McNamara and Kirsten Spira among Top Professional Responsibility Lawyers of 2022
Partners Michael McNamara and Kirsten Spira both serve as the Los Angeles-based co-chairs of Jenner & Block’s nationally recognized Professional Responsibility Practice. They spoke to the Daily Journal about the memorable cases and claims that drive their work.
Christine Braamskamp Named Investigations “Lawyer of the Year” in Who’s Who Legal Practice Area Awards 2021
Who’s Who Legal recognized Partner Christine Braamskamp as a “Lawyer of the Year” in the Investigations category in its 2021 Practice Area Awards.
Rebekah Goodheart Named a Law360 “Telecommunications MVP”
Partner Rebekah Goodheart, who co-chairs the Communications, Internet, and Technology Practice, was named a Law360 “Telecommunications MVP” in 2021, which recognizes success in high-stakes litigation, record-breaking deals, and complex global matters. Rebekah’s profile notes her work to achieve universal broadband access and pro bono success in lowering telephone rates for those in jail and prison.
Shoba Pillay Highlighted as a Leader in Cybersecurity by Global Data Review
Global Data Review listed Partner Shoba Pillay among its Women in Data 2022. In an interview with the publication, Shoba discussed her career path, including her past role as an Assistant US Attorney and her new role as a co-chair of the firm’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice.
Katya Jestin Named The American Lawyer’s “Litigator of the Week”
Co-Managing Partner Katya Jestin was honored as The American Lawyer’s “Litigator of the Week” for her pro bono representation of Guantánamo detainee Majid Khan. The recognition came as the Convening Authority determined Mr. Khan had completed his prison sentence and reflects the latest milestone in more than a decade of representing Mr. Khan.
Ishan Bhabha Recognized in “They’ve Got Next” and as a 2021 “Rising Star”
Partner Ishan Bhabha was recognized as one of 40 top young lawyers nationwide in Bloomberg Law’s inaugural edition of “They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40.” He was also one of 40 lawyers under 40 in the Washington, DC, region whom The National Law Journal honored as a “Rising Star” – recognizing innovators who secure significant victories for clients and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to pro bono work. Ishan’s profile highlights his work on the team that successfully challenged former President Trump’s attempted rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Debbie Berman and Erin Schrantz Named “Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting, and Law”
Partners Debbie Berman and Erin Schrantz have been recognized in Crain’s Chicago Business as “Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting, and Law” for their extraordinary efforts during the pandemic, their civic work improving Chicagoland communities, and their commitment to improving equity within the legal landscape. Debbie, who co-chairs Jenner & Block’s Business Litigation Practice, is profiled for her precedent-setting victory with Hetronic International’s $113 million verdict, as well as her efforts litigating PepsiCo v. Redmond – a seminal case on the inevitable disclosure doctrine for trade secrets. Erin's recognition describes her work as co-chair of Jenner & Block’s Investigations, Compliance, and Defense Practice and leading the compliance teams for the monitor of Credit Suisse and The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW).
Dawn Smalls Named among “Notable Black Leaders” by Crain’s New York Business
Partner Dawn Smalls was named one of Crain’s New York Business’ “Notable Black Leaders,” identifying “talented and accomplished Black individuals whose professional and communal achievements enhance New York City and the lives of its inhabitants.” Her profile focuses on the two temporary restraining orders she won against New York City during the pandemic, pausing the mayor’s plans to move homeless New Yorkers into congregate shelters without adequate notice and individualized needs assessments.
Recognition for Alison Stein in 2022 Illustrates Her Impact and Leadership
Partner Alison Stein, co-chair of the firm’s Content, Media, and Entertainment Practice, was named a co-chair of the Media Law Resource Center’s Technology and Internet Law Committee, which focuses on media law issues as they relate to technology and moderation. The MLRC is a non-profit membership association for members of the media and their defense lawyers. Also this year, The Hollywood Reporter named her among the “Power Lawyers 2022,” a list of the top 100 lawyers in Hollywood. The publication underscored Alison and a team’s success for ViacomCBS in a $100 million trademark dispute over the title of the MTV reality show “MTV Floribama Shore.” The feature also noted her antipiracy victory for Nintendo and other IP and content moderation work.
Jessie Amunson Named One of The American Lawyer’s “Trailblazers South”
The American Lawyer named Partner Jessie Amunson among its inaugural “Trailblazers South,” recognizing professionals in the District of Columbia and southern states who have moved the needle in the legal industry. In the feature, Jessie observes that because Jenner & Block is a values-driven law firm, she has “been able to build a unique practice that combines both public and private interests, including arguing before the US Supreme Court in support of protecting minority rights under the Voting Rights Act.”
The National Law Journal Recognized Michelle McAtee as “Real Estate/Construction Law Trailblazer”
Partner Michelle McAtee, co-chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice, was honored as a “Trailblazer” in Real Estate/Construction law among other “leading minds who will surely be recognized in years to come.”
Christine Braamskamp, Elizabeth Shimmin, and Karam Jardaneh Listed in Legal 500 UK
Christine Braamskamp, co-chair of the Investigations, Compliance, and Defense Practice and co-founder and co-chair of the Culture Risk and Sensitive Investigations Practice, was recognized by Legal 500 UK 2022 in their Fraud: White Collar Crime & Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime categories. Additionally, Partner Elizabeth Shimmin and Associate Karam Jardaneh were recognized as key lawyers. The annual guide highlights “the practice area teams who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel.”
Lindsay Harrison Inducted into International Society of Hospitality Consultants
In December 2021, Partner Lindsay Harrison, leader of the firm’s Hospitality Practice, was inducted into the International Society of Hospitality Consultants. Membership in the society is by invitation only and the 200 members are viewed as leaders in their respective areas.
Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Welcomes Associates to Pathfinder Program
Associates Christian Plummer and Sati Harutyunyan were selected as members of the 2022 Pathfinder Program class of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), a national organization comprising corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners who are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive legal profession. The Pathfinder Program is designed to train high-performing, early-career lawyers in critical career development strategies including leadership and building professional networks.
Jenner & Block has a longstanding commitment to the LCLD and several partners have taken part in the Fellows Program for mid-career lawyers, including Partners Precious Jacobs-Perry, Edward Prokop, and AnnaMarie Van Hoesen.
In 2021, we received the organization's Top Performer and Compass awards. The awards recognize those law firms and corporations showing a strong commitment to building more diverse organizations and a more inclusive legal profession. The firm is among only 60 organizations to be honored with both awards for 2021.