(CHICAGO) Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP announced today that partner and chief diversity officer Leslie Minier is a recipient of Working Mother magazine's prestigious "Working Mother of the Year" award.
"We are thrilled that Leslie has received this well-deserved honor. Her groundbreaking work with Katten's diversity initiatives and her diligence as an attorney are remarkable," said Vincent A. F. Sergi, Katten Chairman. "Our firm has always strived to provide our partners and other employees with policies that provide security and flexibility so they can strike the right balance between work and home."
While balancing motherhood with an active corporate law practice, Minier, who has four children, founded the firm's Diversity Committee and was named its first chief diversity officer. Along with her other duties, she is charged with creating and implementing diversity programs focused on inclusion across the firm, and is responsible for creating and advocating for benefits and policies to support women in their careers. Minier nurtures contacts with community and professional organizations, developing long-term service opportunities for Katten attorneys, and creating mutually beneficial relationships with groups focused on inclusion.
In addition to leading the firm's Diversity Committee, Minier also developed Katten's Minority Associates Committee, Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity and LGBT Coalition. She is additionally an active leader in Katten's Women's Leadership Forum. She credits the support she has received from the firm with helping her balance the often conflicting demands at home and at the office.
"Katten gives working women like Leslie and many others the flexibility and support needed to be successful in all aspects of their personal and professional lives," said Karin Berg, Insolvency and Restructuring partner and national chair of Katten's Women's Leadership Forum. "Leslie's ability to balance all of the moving parts of career and family while contributing in meaningful ways to the firm and excelling professionally is a testament to her dedication, work ethic and commitment to excellence in all areas of her life."
Minier received the award at a gala event in New York City on October 23, 2013. She will be featured in the December/January edition of Working Mother magazine.
The "Working Mother of the Year" award follows Working Mother's "100 Best Companies" list in which Katten was named for the seventh consecutive year. The 100 Best list recognizes companies supporting working mothers by implementing progressive policies to support, attract and retain busy parents. In addition, Katten was named one of the "50 Best Law Firms for Women" for the sixth consecutive year by Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers.
Katten has been specifically praised for its strong policies in the areas of flexible work options, leave options and childcare. Katten established its Women's Leadership Forum in 2004 which helps drive many of the firm's innovative programs and policies to help employees with everything from financial wellness to work-life balance.
Working Mother magazine reaches more than two million readers and is the only national magazine geared toward career-committed mothers.