Our affinity groups comprise lawyers who come together because of shared experiences or backgrounds and who provide professional and business development support to one another. These groups exemplify our commitment to support, encourage, and retain lawyers through informal mentoring, internal networking, and business development support. The groups are open to all Ballard Spahr lawyers.
Ballard Women
This dynamic group of partners cultivates and showcases the distinguished skills of the firm's female lawyers in a number of ways. Its members interact with clients, particularly women executives and business owners, in settings outside the typical business development arena. These partners serve as mentors to the associates and participate in professional development programs. They are champions of client service, community service, and diversity in the profession.
Contact:
Jennifer L. Miller, 215.864.8619, millerje@ballardspahr.com
Female Non-Partner Lawyers Group
Often working in conjunction with BALLARD WOMEN, this group provides female nonpartner lawyers with opportunities for networking, mentoring, and professional development.
Contact:
Nicole C. Evans, 801.531.3058, evansn@ballardspahr.com
Melissa J. Lore, 215.864.8249, lorem@ballardspahr.com
Minority Associates Group
This group of minority associates—lawyers of color as well as those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender—meet regularly to discuss topics related to professional and business development. As a way of reaching beyond the walls of our firm, minority associates in Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C., host a resume-writing and interview skills workshop for diverse first-year law students.
Contact:
Dena Zakaria, 215.864.8131, zakariad@ballardspahr.com
Work-Life Balance Group
Partners and nonpartners, men and women, full-time and part-time, this group draws all who want to talk about how to be their best at work and at home. This group addresses a range of issues, from maternity leave to work choices and career goals.
Contact:
Lila G. Shapiro-Cyr, 410.528.5624, shapirocyr@ballardspahr.com
Ellen O'Brien Kauffmann, 303.299.7314, kauffmanne@ballardspahr.com
Equality Ballard: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Lawyers and Friends
This group provides opportunities for business development and outreach to the LGBT community and supports, promotes, and furthers the recruiting initiatives of the firm's Diversity Committee. Through internal networking, the group strives to maintain a supportive environment, and through pro bono outreach and civic and philanthropic work, its members impact the communities where they live and work.
Contact:
Laura E. Krabill, 215.864.8848, krabilll@ballardspahr.com
Lindsey Ermey, 215.864.8414, ermeyl@ballardspahr.com