NEW YORK, NY (October 6, 2014) - Perkins Coie is pleased to announce that the firm was honored by the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) with its inaugural Law Firm Diversity Award. The award was presented on September 20, 2014 during the plenary luncheon session of AABANY’s Fifth Annual Fall Conference.

Clara J. Ohr, president of AABANY, said that Perkins Coie received the award because of the firm’s “visible commitment to diversity, which in its New York office is demonstrated in part by its tangible programs and practices across multiple areas from pipeline initiatives to development of diverse associates to use of minority and women-owned legal vendors, as well as by its strong support of AABANY and other minority bar associations.” Ms. Ohr continues, “AABANY created the Law Firm Diversity Award to recognize noteworthy efforts by law firms in the diversity and inclusion sphere, with the hopes that such recognition would also provide role models for other law firms to follow.”

In accepting the award for Perkins Coie, New York partner Dennis Hopkins said, “We are proud to be recognized for doing what everyone should be doing to support and encourage diversity in law. It is especially gratifying to be recognized by family; we are pleased to be a part of the AABANY family.”

Perkins Coie embraces diversity as part of the firm’s commitment to excellence and community. “An inclusive platform of diversity allows us to draw from varied perspectives and communities in order to deliver excellence to our clients and attract the very best talent to our ranks,” said Theresa Cropper, Chief Diversity Officer of Perkins Coie. “Diversity is integral to our collegial environment because it allows us to learn from one another, appreciate differences and collaborate more effectively. Perkins Coie is committed to supporting, participating and partnering with others in efforts to make the legal profession diverse and inclusive.” For a list of Perkins Coie’s diversity Awards and Sponsorships, please click here.

AABANY was formed in 1989 as a not-for-profit corporation to represent the interests of New York Asian-American attorneys, judges, law professors, legal professionals, legal assistants or paralegals and law students. The mission of AABANY is to improve the study and practice of law, and the fair administration of justice for all by ensuring the meaningful participation of Asian-Americans in the legal profession.

Perkins Coie is a leading international law firm that is known for providing high-value, strategic solutions and extraordinary client service on matters vital to our clients’ success. With more than 1,200 lawyers in offices across the United States and Asia, we provide a full array of corporate, commercial litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory legal advice to a broad range of clients, including many of the world’s most innovative companies and industry leaders as well as public and not-for-profit organizations.

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