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August 29, 2017 – Law360 named Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) one of the best firms for both women and minority attorneys. The ranking distinguishes firms that consistently demonstrate above-average hiring and promoting of both women and minorities. BAL is one of the eight firms with 20-149 lawyers recognized by Law360, highlighting BAL’s consistent rankings on Law360’s annual Diversity Snapshot and Glass Ceiling Report.
In 2017, Law360 ranked BAL third in its peer group for the Best Law Firms for Female Attorneys in the 2017 Glass Ceiling Report and second in its peer group for the Best Law Firms for Minority Attorneys in the 2017 Diversity Snapshot. When looking at firm leadership, specifically, Law360 recognized BAL as a 2017 Ceiling Smasher with 43.9 percent of BAL’s equity partners identifying as female. Minority equity partners make up 28.6 percent of BAL’s leadership and BAL ranks sixth for the Best Law Firms for Minority Partners on Law360.
As Law360 reports, few firms maintain above-average diversity at all levels when looking at race, ethnicity and gender, often excelling in one aspect of diversity while lagging on another. BAL consistently ranks high for diversity representation at all levels – from associates to equity partners.
“We are proud to be recognized for our racial, ethnic and gender diversity in the workplace,” said Carla Tarazi, one of the firm’s equity partners. “BAL believes that encouraging those from different backgrounds and perspectives to succeed creates a stronger and more effective firm and, ultimately, it encourages everyone in our firm to succeed as individuals and as part of a team.”
Law 360 surveyed more than 300 U.S. firms, or vereins with a U.S. component, about their overall and minority headcount numbers as of Dec. 31, 2016. Only U.S.-based attorneys were included in the survey, and firms must have at least 20 U.S.-based attorneys to participate.
For the second consecutive year, Law360 has named BAL as one of the nation’s Best US Law Firms for Minority Attorneys in its annual Diversity Snapshot.
According to Law360, BAL is one of the top 21 firms making headway and enjoying the benefits of a more diverse attorney workforce. At BAL, minority attorneys make up at least 40 percent of non-partners and at least 26 percent of partners. By contrast, Law360’s 2017 Diversity Snapshot shows that racial and ethnic minorities make up just over 15 percent of the attorneys employed by U.S. law firms, a number that inched up incrementally over the previous year. Among the more than 300 law firms surveyed, minorities make up about 20 percent of non-partners and almost 9 percent of partners.
Law360 surveyed more than 300 US firms, or vereins with a U.S. component, about their overall and minority headcount numbers as of Dec. 31, 2016. Only U.S.-based attorneys were included in the survey, and firms had to have at least 20 U.S.-based attorneys to participate.
Law360 again distinguished BAL as one of the nation’s best law firms for female attorneys, including partners, in its 2017 Glass Ceiling Report.
BAL is one of the top 20 firms advancing equality at the top, and once again earned the designation of Law360 Ceiling Smasher with one of the largest percentages of female equity partners. As a top 20 firm, BAL is noted for making strides towards greater gender equality in its partnership. Forty-two percent of BAL’s equity partners are female, 70 percent of the non-equity partnership are female, and 60 percent of the non-partners are female. In contrast, the report shows that among the law firms surveyed, just under 45 percent of non-partners and 23 percent of partners identified as female — despite women making up over 40 percent overall.
“My recent promotion to equity partnership at BAL affirms BAL’s commitment to gender equality, not just at the management level, but as a bedrock of our culture,” stated Kortney Gibson, equity partner in the Dallas office.
Law360 surveyed more than 300 U.S. firms, or vereins with a U.S. component, about their female headcount as of Dec. 31, 2016. Only U.S.-based attorneys were included in the survey, and firms had to have at least 20 U.S.-based attorneys to participate.
SAN FRANCISCO — Berry Appleman & Leiden, one of the country’s largest corporate immigration law firms, today announced that its Chief Information Officer, Vince DiMascio, has been selected as the 2017 Bay Area CIO of the Year for a private company. The prestigious award is presented annually by the Silicon Valley Business Journal and the San Francisco Business Times.
“We are proud that Vince has been honored as the CIO of the Year,” said Berry Appleman & Leiden Managing Partner, Jeremy Fudge. “We have made IT a top priority at our firm and Vince has done a tremendous job leading the way. He’s a big reason why so many clients trust us with their business—they know we have the most advanced and most secure IT operation anywhere.”
DiMascio serves as the Global Chief Information Officer at Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. He is responsible for technology strategy worldwide. As CIO, DiMascio leads technology innovation and product development, data analytics, front office technology, IT for business operations, digital, infrastructure and security.
“I am honored to receive this award,” DiMascio said. “It recognizes our team’s determination to develop and deliver innovative technologies that are unparalleled in our industry. This is of paramount value to us, as the world’s most sophisticated immigration programs depend on BAL’s unwavering dedication to security and constant technological advancement.” He added, “It’s a privilege to be a part of this team’s success.”
Prior to joining BAL, DiMascio spent over eleven years at PwC in a variety of positions, including as the firm’s legal technology and e-discovery leader.
Berry Appleman & Leiden is a global immigration firm that helps corporate clients around the world meet immigration challenges. The firm has 18 offices around the world.
Media Contact: Emily Albrecht Senior Director — Marketing & Communications ealbrecht@bal.com 469-559-0174
The Legal 500, a leading publication that analyzes law firms worldwide, has once again ranked Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP (BAL) as a Tier 1 firm. The publication states that BAL “is an outstanding strategic partner and a top choice for multinationals looking to manage global immigration issues.” Clients reported that BAL’s lawyers “stand out as true experts” and that their “high level of expertise brings exceptional value to the table.”
Managing partner Jeremy Fudge is recognized in Dallas as “overseeing a technically excellent group with a service philosophy that far exceeds that of competing firms.” The publication stated that the “extremely efficient” Kortney Gibson is also recommended in Dallas and manages some of the largest immigration programs in the U.S., with a particularly strong showing in the telecom sphere. In Washington DC, partner Lynden Melmed is called an “instantly recognizable name in the immigration space,” noting that his office also includes senior counsel Jeffrey Gorsky, who recently joined from the Visa Office at the Department of State. In San Francisco, The Legal 500 called David Berry an excellent global strategist with strong service management. Berry was nominated to The Legal 500 Hall of Fame for constant praise by clients for continued excellence and for six consecutive years’ recognition as an elite leading lawyer.
About The Legal 500
For 28 years, The Legal 500 has been analyzing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research program revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. The Legal 500 assesses the strengths of law firms in 106 jurisdictions. Research is based on feedback from 250,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms and interviews with leading private practice lawyers, and a team of researchers who have unrivalled experience in the legal market.
For the ninth year in a row, BAL is ranked a “Band 1” firm in the Nationwide, California and Texas categories in the newly released 2017 Chambers USA Guide, an annual ranking of the best law firms based on independent research and interviews with lawyers and clients worldwide.
BAL is commended for being a “powerful force in corporate and business immigration with the capacity to handle a range of highly complex matters, with substantial consular, auditing, and compliance experience” according to the Chambers Guide. It is also recognized for its “outstanding immigration team with a stellar track record in a full range of immigration matters.”
Clients have much praise for the firm. One client states, “They take the time to get to know your organization, what you do, the projects you’re involved in. They are able to provide us with the advice we need to make the right business decisions.” Another client affirms, “They’re excellent, very responsive, and creative in helping our business meet its immigration needs.”
Accolades go to BAL’s team for its dedication to excellence and quality service. Partner Susan Wehrer is praised for being an “absolute whiz” and “brilliant lawyer” when handling immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, labor certification issues, and adjusting status applications. Founding Partner David Berry is described as a “top-notch businessman,” and Managing Partner Jeremy Fudge is “proactive” when executing and looking out for client’s interests. Partner Lynden Melmed handles the compliance and government affairs practice. Clients say “He’s able to see immigration programs in a clear manner and identify issues on a higher level.”
About Chambers Global
Chambers, covering 185 jurisdictions, has ranked the best lawyers since 1990 and is known for its strength-in-depth editorial and research team. Chambers publishes an annual guide ranking the world’s best lawyers based on technical expertise, business acumen, prompt delivery, and value for the money. A team of over 170 researchers conducts thousands of interviews worldwide to produce the rankings. Lawyers cannot buy their way into Chamber’s rankings, as a result, its annual directories are considered among the most accurate and reliable.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
“Berry Appleman & Leiden believes in creating a diverse workforce. But more than simply talk about it, they are doing it.”
Congratulations to BAL, and partners Frieda Garcia, Kortney Gibson and Carla Tarazi for recognition in the Best Lawyers Spring Edition – Women in the Law!
Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) is pleased to announce that Kelli Duehning, a senior ranking lawyer at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has joined the firm. She will practice in the firm’s compliance and government strategies group and will be based in California.
Ms. Duehning most recently managed the Western Law Division of USCIS, where she was responsible for developing and coordinating legal strategies for the Western Region and the Asia/Pacific divisions of the agency. She worked closely with government investigators and federal law enforcement officials and was a close advisor to agency leadership on complex immigration issues.
Ms. Duehning was selected by the agency to serve as counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she conducted oversight and drafted immigration legislation. Before the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, she served as an Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Trial Attorney.
“We are thrilled to have Kelli join our team,” said Jeremy Fudge, managing partner of the firm. “We are entering a dynamic time in immigration law, and Kelli’s deep understanding of how the agencies operate and conduct investigations will be a tremendous asset for our clients.”
For over thirty-five years, BAL has been at the forefront of immigration advocacy and has a track record of success representing companies during investigations and audits. Ms. Duehning joins other former government officials at the firm, including Lynden Melmed, former Chief Counsel of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Jeff Gorsky, former Chief of the Legal Advisory Section at the Department of State.
“It has been a privilege to work at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the professional opportunities have been incredible,” Ms. Duehning said. “But I couldn’t be more excited about joining a firm that is known for its service and integrity and I look forward to supporting the firm’s clients during an exciting time in immigration law.”
BAL is ranked as a top firm in the Global-wide category in the newly released Chambers Global Guide, an annual ranking of the best international law firms based on independent research and interviews with lawyers and clients worldwide.
Chambers recognizes BAL as a “highly respected firm specializing in corporate global mobility that offers clients the full spectrum of immigration services in addition to providing policy development and compliance advice. The firm is also particularly renowned for its work in the USA, especially in key jurisdictions such as Silicon Valley, and for its coverage of the UK, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region.”
BAL is praised for its strong immigration practices, and Chambers sources stated that, “their immigration work is absolutely excellent,” adding, “They provide in-depth analysis on all jurisdictions and have a really high level of expertise.” Sources also noted BAL’s global reach, stating that the team has “a broad international practice and really strong expertise in the USA.”
Notable practitioners listed for BAL include Managing Partner Jeremy Fudge, Founding Partner David Berry, Europe Managing Director Emily King, Asia Managing Director Christina Karl, and Latin America Managing Director Daniela Lima.
Since 1990, Chambers has published an annual guide ranking the world’s best lawyers based on technical expertise, business acumen, prompt delivery, and value for money. A team of over 140 researchers conducts thousands of interviews worldwide to produce the rankings. Lawyers cannot buy their way into Chamber’s rankings; as a result, its annual directories are considered among the most accurate and reliable.
On the March 16th segment of the Fox News show Cavuto Coast to Coast, BAL Partner Lynden Melmed discusses his thoughts surrounding federal judges blocking President Trump’s revised Executive Order travel ban.
Please view the full interview here.
© 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP Attorneys at Law