Geoffrey D. Bruen, a litigation associate at Ballard Spahr, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia (GALLOP).
Founded in 1986 as the Philadelphia Attorneys for Human Rights, GALLOP is an organization of legal professionals that seeks to cultivate a community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender lawyers in the Philadelphia area. Its mission is to promote the civil and human rights of the LGBT community, to open access to LGBT attorneys, and to promote the professional advancement of LGBT lawyers. Mr. Bruen will serve a one-year term on the board.
“I was inspired to join GALLOP to be a part of its mission to build community for LGBT lawyers,” said Mr. Bruen, a member of the firm’s Labor and Employment Group. “GALLOP promotes access, professional development, and social activities for LGBT attorneys and I’m excited to help the organization expand on this mission in the coming year.”
Before joining Ballard Spahr, Mr. Bruen was an assistant city solicitor in the City of Philadelphia’s Labor and Employment unit. He defended the City in state and federal employment litigation, labor arbitrations, and administrative employment proceedings.Mr. Bruen acknowledged Ballard Spahr’s commitment to diversity, crediting the firm as a safe and supportive workplace for LGBT attorneys. The firm is home to several affinity groups, including Equality Ballard: the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Lawyers and Friends Group.