Our business resource groups comprise lawyers with shared cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, or backgrounds. Business resource groups support retention through informal mentoring, internal networking, business development support, and the firm’s recruiting. Their goals and activities are carefully planned and linked to the firm’s business goals. The groups are open to all Ballard Spahr lawyers interested in supporting the firm’s diversity initiatives.
Ballard Women
Ballard Women facilitates internal and external networking as well as professional development activities that support the success and advancement of female lawyers and clients. Through programming, mentoring and sponsorship, the group works to improve the professional experience and bolster the trajectory of women lawyers and to advance them into key participation and leadership roles, both inside and outside the firm. The group is committed to helping the firm develop and retain the next generation of successful female lawyers and law firm leaders.
Contact:
Denise L. Plunkett, 646.346.8036, plunkettd@ballardspahr.com
Melanie J. Vartabedian, 801.517.6842, vartabedianm@ballardspahr.com
Lea A. Phillips, 602.798.5464, phillipsla@ballardspahr.com
Jane Rose Siegfried, 215.864.8538, siegfriedj@ballardspahr.com
Diverse Lawyers Group
The Diverse Lawyers Group seeks to promote and support the professional and business development of its diverse lawyers both within the firm and in the broader legal community. The group advocates for increased recruitment, integration, mentorship, retention, and advancement of the firm's diverse lawyers. It also promotes the inclusion of diverse perspectives throughout the firm.
Contact:
Todd Reece, 801.517.6872, reecetballardspahr.com
Shonterra M. Jordan, 215.864.8542, jordans@ballardspahr.com
Daniel A. Arellano, 602.798.5436, arellanod@ballardspahr.com
Ballard Spahr Work-Life integration Group
This group brings together lawyers from across the firm—partners and non-partner lawyers, men and women, those working full-time and reduced hours—who provide mutual resources and support for one another around the issue of work-life balance. The group supports the Back to Business initiative, which provides outreach to all lawyers returning from leave.
Contact:
Sarah E. Pruett, 612.371.2425, pruetts@ballardspahr.com
Brian W. LaCorte, 602.798.5449, lacorteb@ballardspahr.com
Equality Ballard: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Lawyers and Friends
Equality Ballard provides support and internal networking to those who have self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. The group facilitates business and professional development opportunities as well as outreach to the LGBTQ community. The group promotes and furthers the recruiting initiatives of the firm's Diversity and Inclusion Council and supports education on relevant policies and issues. Equality Ballard also supports the efforts of its members to have a positive impact on the communities where they live and work through pro bono outreach and civic and philanthropic engagement.
Contact:
Elizabeth P. Weissert, 215.864.8672, weisserte@ballardspahr.com
Jacob N. Westlund, 612.752.1017, westlundj@ballardspahr.com