“The LCLD Fellowship and Pathfinders Programs are fantastic opportunities for experienced and emerging lawyers alike to learn from and be mentored by some of the most respected and influential leaders in our profession, who are equally committed to fostering diversity within their individual institutions and the profession at large,” said Sandy Thomas, Reed Smith’s Global Managing Partner. “We are very proud that Denise, Claudia, and Reggie will represent the firm and our longstanding commitment to diversity and mentoring.”
The LCLD Fellowship Program is an intensive, year-long professional development program that mentors the legal industry’s diversity leaders of tomorrow. Designed for lawyers with eight-to-15 years of experience, the LCLD Fellows Program connects high-potential attorneys with leading general counsel and managing partners.
The LCLD Pathfinders Program, now in its third year, is tailored for lawyers with three-to-five years of experience. The program provides practical tools for developing and leveraging professional networks, leadership skills, and career development strategies.
An experienced and highly-respected attorney who’s practice has served clients across an array of industries, Denise focuses on complex internal investigations, white collar crime, antitrust cartels, health care fraud, financial institution fraud, government contracting fraud, False Claims litigation, grand jury matters and trial practice. She has also handled numerous bank investigations and banking litigation matters. In addition to her role in the firm’s Global Regulatory Enforcement Group, Denise also serves as the Records & E-Discovery Team (“RED Team”) Ambassador in Chicago. Denise’s commitment to diversity is reflected in the role she plays in the recruitment and mentorship of every diverse associate that has joined the firm’s Chicago office since she joined in 2009.
Claudia, a key contributor to the firm’s Managed Care team, was also a former recipient of the Deborah J. Broyles Diverse Scholar Award in 2013 (known then as the Diverse Scholars Award for Academic Achievement and Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Community). This award is given to one or more outstanding law school students in the United States who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. She also earned the 2014 Judge Helen C. Kinney Award for Leadership in Women in Law from the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers. Since joining the firm, Claudia has been a constant participant in the firm’s efforts to promote diversity and maintained an active pro-bono practice, helping to successfully represent individuals in Section 1983 actions and asylum proceedings.
Reggie, who practices in the area of Commercial Restructuring and Bankruptcy, has maintained a commitment to serving the less fortunate among us. While in law school, he served as a certified legal intern at both the Elder Law Clinic, where he provided free legal services to low-income individuals; and at the Environmental Law Clinic, where he represented low-income individuals and organizations in their environmental-related legal problems. Since joining the firm, which he first engaged with in 2014 as a summer associate, he has represented indigent individuals in contract disputes, asylum seekers, and small businesses operated by low-income individuals.
Reed Smith is among the original co-founders of the LCLD, which now includes more than 275 members comprising the general counsel of Fortune 500 corporations, along with the managing partners of the nation’s largest law firms. Additional information about the programs and the LCLD can be found at LCLDnet.org.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm, dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward.
Its long-standing relationships, international outlook and collaborative structure make it a go-to partner for speedy resolution of complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.
For further information, please visit reedsmith.com.
