Jackson Lewis P.C issued the following announcement on Dec. 14.
Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. is pleased to announce Kimya S.P. Johnson has joined the firm as chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer (CDEIO) and principal. In her role as CDEIO, Kimya will work with firm leadership, key stakeholders, and practice group leaders to expand, manage and oversee firmwide diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and lead a team to execute a comprehensive, strategic DEI plan. As a practicing attorney, she will be a member of the firm’s Corporate Diversity Counseling group, advising companies on legal liability, diversity programs, diversity assessments and action plans. Kimya joins the firm from Ogletree Deakins where she was chair of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion practice group.
"With Kimya at the helm of our strategic DEI efforts, we will strengthen our inclusive culture that values the contributions of every employee and continues to emphasize the importance of having a workforce that reflects the various communities in which we work,” said Firm Chair Kevin G. Lauri. “In addition, I believe all within Jackson Lewis and beyond will recognize we are intentional and committed to doing what it takes to move our leadership, our firm, and our profession forward in this vital area. We are thrilled to add Kimya to the team.”
"Fostering DEI is a critical component of Jackson Lewis’ culture, and the CDEIO role will collaborate with all departments and functions to advance DEI as a firm value,” said Firm Managing Principal Samantha Hoffman. “Kimya has a track record of creating meaningful enhancements for law firms. She is known as an innovator and has already contributed excellent ideas to build on the success of our DEI strategy. We are so pleased to have her on board."
Kimya has almost 20 years of experience as an employment attorney. In her unique legal practice, Kimya supports a wide range of employers in their efforts to provide legally-compliant, effective, and organizationally-integrative DEI plans. She regularly represents clients by providing DEI-related legal advice and compliance counseling, demographic data gathering and analytics, DEI program and workplace culture assessments, DEI-integrated business, communication and leadership development strategies, and human resource counseling and policy creation. Kimya frequently provides training that addresses the intersection of DEI and the law, among other topics.
Kimya has previously served in several DEI-focused positions at AmLaw100 firms, including as a Director of Diversity & Inclusion. In this role, she devised and led the full range of firmwide DEI efforts for leadership, diverse attorneys, community stakeholders and professional associations.
"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our practice with the addition of Kimya to our team,” said Leader of the firm’s Corporate Diversity Counseling group Weldon H. Latham. “Kimya is a talented employment lawyer and has vast experience advising C-suite executives and board members on the development and implementation of effective diversity strategies. Her keen sense of judgment and track record of success has earned her the reputation of a trusted advisor for companies across many industries. This is particularly important as scrutiny of company diversity equity and inclusion performance continues to increase as a result of the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others."
Kimya was recognized as a “Lawyer on the Fast Track” by The Legal Intelligencer, as a “PA Rising Star in Employment & Labor” by SuperLawyers Magazine, as an “Influential Woman” by the NAACP, Philadelphia Chapter, and as a “Wonder Woman in Business,” among other accolades. She also received the “MultiCultural Leadership Award” from the National Diversity Council in recognition of her organizational diversity work.
"I am excited to join a firm that understands the value of creating an environment where attorneys and legal professionals want to work and can flourish, regardless of background, identity or experience,” said Kimya. “With firm leadership that is genuinely committed to expanding mindsets and to integrating DEI firmwide, we will continue to promote a culture where all can reach their full potential. I look forward to collaborating in ways that demonstrate how our diverse professionals, equitable systems, and inclusive practices undergird our ability to provide the excellent client service Jackson Lewis continues to be recognized for."
Prior to Kimya’s career as an attorney, she was a public elementary school teacher in South Bronx, New York and served as campaign manager for a candidate for U.S. Congress. Kimya remains directly engaged with a host of community, diversity, political/civil rights, and social service organizations.
Kimya earned a Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion Management from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, her J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, her M.A. (Education) from Columbia University, and B.A. (Psychology) from Spelman College.
Original source can be found here.