Ogletree Deakins Names New Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

WASHINGTON D.C. – March 11, 2021 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce that the firm has named Lia Dorsey as its Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. Lia succeeds Michelle Wimes, the firm’s long-time Chief Diversity and Professional Development Officer, who is now the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer of Children’s Mercy Kansas City.

As Ogletree Deakins’ Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Lia will lead the development and execution of the firm’s diversity strategy, as well as ongoing and new initiatives that will continue to build and support an inclusive culture and embrace a widely diverse workforce. Lia will collaborate closely with colleagues and directors responsible for recruiting and retention, training and development, practice development, and other related areas on issues of diversity and inclusion, as well as with firm leaders, business resource groups, and both office and practice group leaders. Lia will oversee diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and initiatives that support the firm’s client outreach, business development, and alumni outreach efforts. She will also serve as the firm’s representative at key national and local community events, activities, groups, and professional organizations, and will develop and enhance best practices related to diversity and inclusion alongside her peers.

Lia, who will be based in Ogletree Deakins’ Washington D.C. office, joins the firm from Dentons US LLP, where she was the Director of Diversity and Inclusion. There, she was responsible for the strategic oversight, design, and implementation of the firm’s diversity and inclusion initiatives for lawyers and professional staff. Earlier, Lia served as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Eversheds Sutherland US LLP. Lia also held senior marketing and business development positions at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC and DLA Piper LLP. Prior to her career in the legal industry, Lia was a top-producing sales executive.

“Since Ogletree Deakins’ inception more than 40 years ago, we have continued to build a lasting culture that supports and celebrates the diverse voices in our firm, which aids us in delivering innovative approaches to our clients’ needs. Lia’s wealth of experience in leading diversity and inclusion initiatives in the legal field will prove invaluable in furthering this mission,” said Matt Keen, managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins. “Lia is a vibrant leader and agent for change who exemplifies the firm’s core values. We are elated to have her join the Ogletree Deakins’ team.”

Lia also has a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University and completed McKinsey & Company’s Black Executive Leadership Program. Lia is an active leader and participant in national diversity and inclusion, legal, and human resources organizations, including as the President of the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals. In this capacity, Lia advances the organization’s mission to act as a catalyst for the advancement of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession through collective knowledge, vision, experience, and advocacy in the arena of law firm diversity. Lia is also an active member of the American Bar Association, the National Diversity Council, the National Association for Law Placement, Inc. (NALP), and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She has also served on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Advocacy Committee for the Legal Marketing Association. Lia is a regular speaker and panelist on topics covering diversity and inclusion in Big Law and diversity from the client perspective.

About Ogletree Deakins
Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Premier client service, as outlined in the firm’s Client Pledge, is one of the firm’s top priorities and a cornerstone of its core values. U.S. News – Best Lawyers^® “Best Law Firms” has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 10 consecutive years. In 2021, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Litigation – Labor & Employment category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 900 attorneys located in 53 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, from small businesses to Fortune 50 companies. www.ogletree.com