Page 5 - Katten Annual Diversity Review

support and guidance as I work to gain the appropriate substantive skills. Additionally, Ken has graciously
extended invitations to me to attend various networking and social events so I have the opportunity to
interact with clients from a relatively early stage in my career, which has been great.

Ken: When I need help, my first call now is to Sirisha, if she has the appropriate experience. I have a group
of people with whom I’ve worked throughout the years and whom I trust and rely on. So as part of the
sponsorship program I’ve told them to help bring Sirisha along in her career in the same way that I am trying
to do. We also consider the appropriate people for Sirisha to be working with for her long-term development.

What are some of your goals for the Sirisha Bendapudi, Corporate associate, and Ken Miller,
program? co-chair of Katten’s national Private Equity practice

Ken: I want Sirisha to be the best attorney she can be.
To me, that means making sure that she is working for
people who can teach her how to do things the right
way—not only substantively but just as importantly
from a client service perspective. It also means
establishing relationships with clients and building her
own network in the community. One way we are doing
this is by bringing her on as a member of the associate
board of a charity with which I’m heavily involved,
the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL).
The organization manages 32 elementary and high
schools for the Chicago Public School system and has
been successful in taking over the worst schools in the
system and in making a significant impact.

Sirisha: AUSL has a parent board, which Ken sits on, and I’m on the associate board with about 25 other
young people who are dedicated to improving education in the city of Chicago. Helping these schools has
been a great experience for me, and a welcome reminder of the many ways this career creates meaningful
opportunities to give back. An added benefit is having the chance to network with like-minded young
professionals in the Chicago area. Ken has demonstrated that while the work we do in our offices is very
important, another critical aspect of being a good attorney is engaging with the larger community.

Overall, what do you feel that you get out of the sponsorship program?

Sirisha: Participation in the sponsorship program has added structure to my career. As a junior associate,
it’s challenging sometimes to know whether you’re taking on the right kinds of work and learning the right
kinds of skills. Having someone with experience who knows how to develop an associate is a key benefit.

Ken: When you’re just starting out in a law firm, it’s easy to gravitate towards those who are easy to work
with. But I have found it to be more beneficial to a young attorney’s development to work with a variety of
people with different personalities and styles, some of whom will be challenging and will push you outside
of your comfort zone but will make you better. If you learn how to do things the right way, despite how
challenging they may seem, then you’ll be able to work with anybody and you’ll be a better lawyer for it.
These are areas I try to help Sirisha navigate so that she can have a long and illustrious career.

KATTEN MUCHIN ROSENMAN LLP: annual diversity REVIEW | 5