Atlanta and Washington, D.C. (August 24, 2009) – Vault has ranked Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP among its Best 20 Law Firms for Diversity for Minorities. Vault, a national media company focusing on career-related publications and resources, annually surveys associates at 165 law firms in the country, asking them to rank their own firms based upon career satisfaction, hours, compensation, diversity, treatment by partners and selectivity in hiring. 

“This ranking recognizes our efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive legal community,” said Director of Diversity Valerie A. Jackson. “Sutherland continues its commitment to diversity and inclusion through the work of all of our attorneys.”

Sutherland’s attorneys promote diversity and inclusion within the firm and throughout their communities:

• This year marked the firm’s fifth year for Sutherland Scholars, an innovative and groundbreaking pipeline program that supports incoming law students from historically underrepresented backgrounds by teaching them skills and strategies that will help them succeed in law school. In 2009, 25 students from Atlanta and 15 students from Washington, D.C., participated in the program—bringing the total number of students participating in the program to more than 200.
• Sutherland introduced Diversity and Inclusion Partners in each of its offices and practice groups. As members of the larger Diversity and Inclusion Committee, they work to influence attorney development, look for ways to market diversity to internal and external audiences, and decide how best to support and encourage Sutherland attorneys from underrepresented backgrounds. 

To learn more about Sutherland’s diversity and inclusion efforts, visit http://www.sutherland.com/files/upload/2008DiversityReportF2.pdf to view the firm’s 2008 Diversity Report.

ABOUT SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP.
Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP is a law firm with global reach known for solving challenging business problems and resolving sophisticated legal issues for many of the world’s largest companies. Founded in 1924, the firm handles matters throughout the United States and worldwide. Seven major practice areas—corporate, energy and environmental, financial services, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, and tax—provide the framework for an extensive range of focus areas, allowing Sutherland attorneys to serve a diverse client base that ranges from small and medium-sized start-up businesses to a significant number of Fortune 100 companies.

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