Diversity and professional development go hand-in-hand
We’re all about the long view. We know simply recruiting diverse team members is not enough.
Our Diversity and Professional Development Committee runs several programs to support career growth for all our team members.
1L Diversity Pipeline Program
In 2014, Epstein Becker Green launched a 1L Pipeline Program. The mission of this program is to identify a pipeline of 1L (first-year law school) students with diverse backgrounds who will contribute to the firm’s core practice areas while gaining valuable professional and real life experience with EBG lawyers and the firm’s clients through project assignments developed specifically for this program. Law students who participate in this Diversity Pipeline Program can earn placement as a 2L in the firm’s Summer Associate Program. In addition, 1L Diversity Pipeline Program participants who receive and accept an offer to return to the Firm as a 2L summer associate will receive a bonus in the amount of $10,000.
Past 1L Diversity Pipeline Participants
- Sanchita Bose, American University Washington College of Law (2019 Program)
- Nija Chappel, George Washington University Law School (2021 Program)
- Nikita Cotton, University of Michigan Law School (2017 Program)
- Barri Dean, Howard University School of Law (2017 Program)
- Andrew Do, University of Maryland School of Law (2018 Program)
- Naomi Friedman, Fordham University School of Law (2020 Program)
- Erica Garcia-Jasso, George Washington University Law School (2015 Program)
- América Garza, Brooklyn Law School (2021 Program)
- Radhika Gupta, New York University School of Law (2019 Program)
- Brian Hedgeman, Howard University School of Law (2016 Program)
- Cynthia Joo, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (2018 Program)
- Thejasree Kayam, Northeastern University School of Law (2015 Program)
- Stanton Lawyer, Howard University School of Law (2014 Program)
- Guy Matthews, New York University School of Law (2017 Program)
- Kayla Oakley, George Washington University Law School (2021 Program)
- Katheryn Pereyra-Caldwell, Seton Hall Law School (2014 Program)
- Jessica Rivero, Georgetown University Law Center (2020 Program)
- Timothy Rozier-Byrd, Boston University (2021 Program)
- Jarmonique Smith, New York University School of Law (2016 Program)
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Conferences and Networking
Throughout the year, our attorneys are encouraged and supported to join conferences, training, and networking events sponsored by diverse and inclusive organizations. Our attorneys have recently attended programming and conferences by 2020 Women on Boards, Centerforce USA, Corporate Counsel Women of Color, the Hispanic National Bar Association, and the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, among other organizations.
Epstein Becker Green is also a founding sponsor of WBL (Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Health Care Industry Foundation), whose mission is to help senior executive women in the health care industry create meaningful cross-sector relationships, expand their leadership, and harness their collective power to improve the industry.
These opportunities not only provide learning and professional development, they also help our attorneys foster business development and client relationships.
Mentoring and Shadowing Programs
We believe that mentors and sponsors can contribute enormously to the success of an attorney’s career and satisfaction. Our mentoring program allows every attorney to be oriented and integrated into the firm’s culture and work environment.
Additionally, our Associate Shadowing Program provides an opportunity for Associates to earn billable hour credit while observing or participating in important client service related activities, which cannot be billed to a client. Through shadowing, Associates have the opportunity to attend things like the closing argument for a trial, a labor negotiation, a government settlement meeting, or a mediation. These experiences improve and foster an Associate’s confidence, skill set, and professional development.
Building the Pipeline
The firm’s Future Lawyer’s Program is tailored for college students who are interested in pursuing a career in law or for students who have not decided but want to learn more about becoming a lawyer. As part of each Future Lawyer’s Program, students get to meet with current Epstein Becker Green attorneys, Summer Associates, and law school career counselors about preparing for a career in law, tips on choosing a law school, and studying for the LSAT.
Past Future Lawyer’s Program Participants
2022 in Washington, DC
- Dylan Abrokwa-Jassor, College of William and Mary
- Hamilton Brooks, New York University
- Simon Debesai, Yale University
- Mar’Quon Frederick, Cornell University
- Garvey Goulbourne, University of Virginia
- Archie Rook, Colgate University
2021 in Washington, DC
- Michael Alonzo, Swarthmore College
- Pierce Alston, Wake Forest University
- Rasheed Christian, University of Virginia
- Jaelen King, Yale University
- Ryan Mijumbi, High Point University
- Kyle Smith, Georgia Institute of Technology
- Yarayah St. Phard, Georgia State University
- Christian Terry-Taylor, Morehouse College
- Samuel Timmons, University of North Carolina
- Samuel Wey, University of North Carolina
2019 in Newark, New Jersey
- Harrisa Basiru
- Ahtziry Campos
- Devante Charles
- Brianna Heim
- Janet Kwateng
- Jennifer Martinez
- Marram Tai-Elkarim
- Neida Perez
- Cristopher Prieto
2019 in Washington, DC
- Keith Clark
- Sahil Lauji
- Katherine Lugo
- Jeremy Mensah
- Asarah Quartey
- Isaiah Reed
- Amiya Smith
2018 in Washington, DC
- Jennifer Barahona
- Justin Edwards
- Colin Ganges
- Joale Holley
- Devon Johnson
- Austin Thomas
- Yehosef Thomas
- Ana Saragoza
2017 in Washington, DC
- Amanda Betten, University of Arizona
- Marvin Clark, Columbia University
- Jordan Culley, University of Maryland
- Faith Esene, Howard University
- Daniel Jellins, University of Chicago
- David Johnson, Sewanee: The University of the South
- Anabella Kalifa, High School Student
- Delphert Smith, Loyola Marymount
We are also extremely proud to partner directly with the following organizations and schools to help diverse students reach their educational goals.
- Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School and Corporate Work Study Program – For more than six years, we’ve participated in a Corporate Work Study program for students at this college-preparatory school with the need and motivation to help earn their own tuition.
- Langley Elementary School – This STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education school, in an underserved area of Washington, DC, provides opportunities for preschool through fifth-grade students to learn important 21st-century skills. We partner with Langley to support fundraising activities with and on behalf of the school.
- NJ LEEP (Law and Education Empowerment Project) – Our lawyers teach college and career success skills to students and families in the greater Newark area.
- Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline Program – Our attorneys are proud to participate in Street Law’s Legal Diversity Pipeline Program. Through classroom visits and a field trip to the law firm or legal department, volunteers teach lessons and lead activities designed to increase students’ knowledge and interest in the law and legal careers.