White & Case Launches First Global Minority Initiative

New York, October 29, 2007 ... Global law firm White & Case LLP today announced the launch of what is believed to be the first-ever worldwide diversity initiative for a law firm. The Minority Lawyers Initiative is to be kicked off by a two-day conference of the Firm's minority lawyers from across its global network of 35 offices in 23 countries.

The Initiative will officially launch at the Firm's inaugural Minority Lawyers Conference, to be held October 31-November 2, in Armonk, New York and focus on advancement of the Firm's programs and policies on recruitment, retention and promotion of minorities.

"As a firm that is as widespread and international as White & Case, diversity is a source of our strength," said Chairman of the Firm Hugh Verrier. "We have a solid foundation for this Initiative to evolve and succeed."

Participants at the conference will include Black, Asian and Hispanic lawyers who practice in offices where their group is in the minority. The  keynote speaker will be Dr. Byron Auguste, Worldwide Managing Director of McKinsey's Social Sector Office, who will present "Building a Successful Minority Initiative in a Professional Firm." 

The conference will also include presentations from Priscilla Almodovar, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York State Housing Finance Agency, and Cecilia Lofters, Senior Intellectual Property Counsel, Financial Services at General Electric Company, both former partners of White & Case, who will give a joint address entitled "Perspectives on Partnership and Beyond."

"White & Case has experienced steady progress in recruiting and retaining women lawyers primarily due to the work of our Women's Initiative and targeted recruiting and retention programs," said Elaine Johnston, Executive Partner for Diversity. "We would like to make similar progress with minority lawyers by launching this new initiative."

For more information on the Firm's diversity program, visit whitecase.com/diversity.

About White & Case
White & Case LLP is a leading global law firm with more than 2,100 lawyers in 35 offices in 23 countries.  Our clients value the breadth and depth of our US, English and local law capabilities and rely on us for their complex cross-border commercial and financial transactions and for international arbitration and litigation. Whether in established or emerging markets, the hallmark of White & Case is our complete dedication to the business priorities and legal needs of our clients.

Contact:
Reilly Starr
Regional Media Relations Manager - Americas
White & Case LLP
1 212 819 8315