Working closely with Casey Ryan, Reed Smith’s Global Head of Legal Recruiting, as well as the firm’s Senior Management Team, and its Global Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Chief Human Resources Officer; Director of Legal Recruiting; and Business Inclusion Group leaders, Geoff will lead the generation of a pipeline of outstanding diverse talent and conversion of that pipeline into hires, in alignment with Reed Smith’s Racial Equity Action Plan. He will also serve a critical role in the firm’s efforts towards building its reputation as an employer of choice for diverse talent, and will work to effect positive change across the entire recruiting process.
“A key pillar of our Racial Equity Action Plan is a determined approach towards bringing on diverse legal talent whose practices complement our firm’s global capabilities. Geoff is just the person to lead the charge here as he came up through the ranks, from summer associate to partner, and is well known throughout our firm as a talented lawyer, fierce advocate, and firm-first colleague committed to the success of Reed Smith and its people,” said Sandy Thomas, Reed Smith’s Global Managing Partner. “Whereas Geoff can call upon his experience at various levels at the firm to inform our strategy and approach towards diverse recruiting, the responsibility of attracting, retaining, and advancing diverse talent is central to our core values, and is an outcome we will achieve as a team.”
Geoff is a partner in the Global Commercial Disputes Group, resident in Reed Smith’s New York office, and his broad-based litigation practice includes counseling and litigating in the areas of complex commercial disputes, products liability, financial services matters, energy and natural resources matters, advertising/trademark matters, and international arbitration. Demonstrating his longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Geoff has held a number of important leadership positions within the firm, including previously serving as the U.S. Deputy for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I). He also held leadership positions with the firm’s Black/African-American Business Inclusion Group (STAARS) and the New York Office Diversity Committee. He is also a member of the New York Office’s Hiring Committee and Community Service Committee.
The firm also announced that Liza Craig, Washington D.C.-based counsel in the firm’s Global Regulatory Enforcement practice has replaced Geoff in the role of U.S. deputy for DEI, working closely with John Iino, Reed Smith’s global chair for DEI. Liza previously served as deputy / counsel chair of STAARS. Prior to joining Reed Smith, Liza worked as a senior associate counsel with the Department of the Navy Office of the General Counsel for over a decade. She is also a professorial lecturer in law at the George Washington University Law School where she lectures on the formation of government contracts and mediation to J.D. and LL.M. candidates.
“I’m very excited to take on this new role, and credit the firm for emphasizing the need to identify and hire more diverse attorneys,” said Geoff Young. “With the formation of our Racial Equity Action Plan, the firm has made clear that it is fully embracing its commitment to a more diverse and inclusive environment, and I’m thrilled to be a significant part of that process.”
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. Our belief is that by delivering smarter and more creative legal services, we will not only enrich our clients’ experiences with us, but also support them in achieving their business goals.
Our long-standing relationships, international outlook, and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for the speedy resolution of complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.
For further information, please visit reedsmith.com.
