Hanson Bridgett Receives National Diversity Award

October 12, 2021 (San Francisco, CA) – Hanson Bridgett LLP, an AmLaw 200 law firm for all of California, has been selected as Minority Corporate Counsel Association's (MCCA) 2021 George B. Vashon Award (Vashon Award) winner. The Vashon Award is presented to law firms (less than 500 full-time attorneys) that have led the way with innovative best practices to assist diverse attorneys. It is named for scholar, abolitionist and lawyer George B. Vashon, who was the first licensed African American attorney in New York State (1848) and one of the first admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court (1867).

Unlike previous years, this year, the MCCA determined the honoree for the Vashon Award based on its extensive review of the law firm diversity data hundreds of law firms submitted in the past year. Based on the extensive analysis of demographic data as well as the corresponding quantitative trend data of recruiting, retention and promotion efforts, MCCA selected Hanson Bridgett as the 2021 Vashon honoree.

This award rounds out a banner year of recognition of the firm's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. To start the year, the firm appointed Kristina Lawson as the firm's first female managing partner. The firm achieved Mansfield 4.0 Certification Plus Status; Kristina Lawson was selected for Corporate Counsel's 2021 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards; the firm was named as a Best Law Firm for Women for the 12th year; and the firm received two honors at the ELEVATE awards. In addition, the firm continues to take real action with the appointment of the firm's first Director of Pro Bono and Social Impact, Samir Abdelnour, who will work closely with the firm's first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Jennifer Martinez.

"Our firm is committed to breaking out what seems to be a pattern of only paying attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion issues once per decade. My mission is to break that cycle of just talk. We don't need to just talk about these issues anymore. We need to actually do something," Martinez said. "Our firms sees that starting point as an inward examination of our own policies, our own practices, and how we can be a conscious corporate citizen as an all California firm. It's important our firm look like and reflect the people and the values of the state where we practice. And that includes using our resources and our privilege externally as well. This award is a great honor but there is much more to be done. We will continue to marshal our resources and increase our investment to answer the call to justice."

Hanson Bridgett was recognized as the 2021 Vashon Award winner at MCCA's 2021 Virtual Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference on October 12, 2021.

About Hanson Bridgett LLP

Hanson Bridgett LLP is a full service AmLaw 200 law firm with more than 200 attorneys across California. Creating a diverse workforce by fostering an atmosphere of belonging and intentional support has been a priority at Hanson Bridgett since its founding in 1958. We are dedicated to creating an environment that provides opportunities for people with varied backgrounds, both for attorneys and administrative professionals. We are also committed to the communities where our employees live and work and consider it part of our professional obligation to serve justice by encouraging and supporting pro bono and social impact work.

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John J. Buchanan
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Hanson Bridgett LLP
415-995-5031