Leslie Minier, Kimberly Smith and Janet Hoffman Recognized by Crain's as Notable Women in Law

Corporate Partner and Chief Diversity Partner Leslie Minier, Global Corporate Department Chair Kimberly Smith and Senior Counsel and Pro Bono Counsel Janet Hoffman are honorees for this year's Crain's Chicago Business Notable Women in Law for how they are "making their mark on the law."

The Crain's editors noted, "The 141 lawyers who make up our latest class of Notable Women in Law practice across a wide range of specialties, counseling clients from small businesses to giant multinationals, from families to corporate boards. They serve as mentors and guiding lights for other women in their firms and bring their expertise to their communities and nonprofits outside the office. They're steering multibillion-dollar deals, earning high-dollar awards and securing outcomes that can't be measured in money."

As Katten's chief diversity partner, Leslie is known for her commitment to recruiting diverse attorneys and developing programs to foster inclusiveness and encourage retention. She has been a driving force at the firm to help promote a supportive workplace culture where diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is valued. Crain's notes that Leslie played an important role in planning the firm's diversity summit in Chicago last summer, and due to her overall efforts, the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms recognized Katten with its Diversity Award for advancing diversity within the firm. She is on the board of the Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law's Chicago chapter.

In Kimberly's role as global chair of the Corporate department, she supervises and supports 140-plus Corporate attorneys throughout the US, UK and China. Crain's highlighted that she recently joined the executive committee, helping to shape Katten's overall strategy. Kimberly is also recognized for her commitment to clients, which includes private equity funds, family offices, and independent sponsors, on leveraged buyouts, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other investments across multiple industries. She is a founding member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago's guild board and is on the corporate board of directors.

With 40-plus years of experience, Janet is known for advising some of the country's largest nonprofits on governance and finance. The profile notes her recent transition to senior counsel, where she continues to advise nonprofits while transitioning clients to her colleagues. Janet led the Katten team in the merger between counseling and support service provider Family Services of Lake County and Josselyn, a nonprofit community health provider. She is board chair of the Leslie Shankman School Corporation and on the Foundation for the Educational Development of Children and Covenant Living Communities & Services boards.

"Meet the Notable Women in Law for 2024," Crain's Chicago Business, February 20, 2024

"Crain's 2024 Notable Women in Law: Leslie Minier," Crain's Chicago Business, February 20, 2024

"Crain's 2024 Notable Women in Law: Kimberly Smith," Crain's Chicago Business, February 20, 2024

"Crain's 2024 Notable Women in Law: Janet Hoffman," Crain's Chicago Business, February 20, 2024

*Subscription may be required for article access.