Blank Rome LLP issued the following announcement on Feb. 18.
Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that our firm has nominated and the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (“LCLD”) has selected partner Melanie S. Carter to join the 2021 LCLD Fellows Program and associates Asima J. Ahmad and Ernestine J. Mings to join the 2021 LCLD Pathfinder Program. These hallmark programs are dedicated to producing a generation of attorneys with strong leadership and relationship skills who are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within their individual institutions and throughout the legal industry.
“We are thrilled to have Melanie, Asima, and Ernestine represent Blank Rome in the LCLD Fellows and Pathfinder Program,” said Krystal Studavent Ramsey, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Blank Rome. “This notable recognition is extremely well-deserved and reflects each of their deep commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our Firm, the legal industry, and our communities.”
The LCLD Fellows Program was designed to connect high-potential attorneys from preeminent organizations for a year-long professional development series that focuses on leadership and relationship building. The program offers a unique value to leadership-oriented, mid-career attorneys because of the exclusive opportunities to network with and learn from the top leaders in the legal field, during the program and into the future. In 2021, the program will make a range of virtual training methods and networking opportunities available exclusively to Fellows, including class meetings, leadership lunches, and other learning experiences, as well as mentoring and alumni networking.
The LCLD Pathfinder Program is designed for diverse, high-potential, early-career attorneys at LCLD member organizations. The goal of the program is to provide Pathfinders with practical tools for developing and leveraging professional networks through relationship-building skills, foundational leadership skills, and an understanding of career development strategies applicable to both in-house and law firm practice. In 2021, the program will employ a range of virtual training methods and networking opportunities available exclusively to Pathfinders, including class meetings, regional meetings, e-Learning modules, peer circles, compass conversations, and program facilitators.
“During such a pivotal time in our world, Blank Rome is more committed than ever to elevating diversity, equity, and inclusion at our firm through progressive programming and professional development opportunities,” Krystal added. “Through this commitment, and as a longstanding LCLD member organization, we look forward to continuing our work in improving the retention, development, advancement, and support of our diverse attorneys.”
Melanie Carter is based in our firm’s Philadelphia office. She concentrates her practice on complex commercial and corporate matters, and she has experience counseling clients on a broad range of business issues. She regularly represents pharmaceutical companies in national state and federal products liability cases. Melanie participated in the LCLD Pathfinder Program in 2017, and is active in the LCLD Alumni Program. She is also a member of the board of trustees for KIPP Philadelphia Schools. Melanie has received “Rising Star,” “Who’s Next in Law,” and “Lawyer of the Fast Track” recognitions from Super Lawyers, Billy Penn, and The Legal Intelligencer, respectively.
Asima Ahmad is based in our firm’s Philadelphia office. She concentrates her practice on labor and employment litigation and counseling, and she has experience representing clients in state and federal court, arbitration, and before administrative agencies in a broad range of employment matters. Asima serves as the regional chair for the Hamilton College Alumni Association and is a member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the South Asian Bar Association. She was named a “Lawyer on the Fast Track” by The Legal Intelligencer last year.
Ernestine Mings is based in our firm’s New York office. She concentrates her practice on matrimonial and family law and also has prior experience in civil rights litigation. Ernestine is the vice-chair of the Family Law Section of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and a member of the Matrimonial Committee of the New York City Bar Association. She also serves as a co-chair of the Diversity Committee of the New York Women’s Bar Association, which encourages mentorship of attorneys of color and increased diversity within the practice of law. Ernestine was recently recognized as one of the “Top 40 Under 40” family law practitioners by the National Black Lawyers Association.
Original source can be found here.