Morgan Mouchette and Samantha Wallack Receive Blank Rome’s 2023 Distinguished Diversity & Inclusion Awards
Blank Rome LLP was pleased to present partner Morgan F. Mouchette with the 2023 Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones Diversity and Inclusion Award, and partner and co-chair of the firm’s Real Estate practice Samantha Wallack with the 2023 Bonnie Glantz Fatell Women’s Advocacy and Leadership Award, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) at Blank Rome, across the legal industry, and within their local communities.
“These awards recognize firm leaders at Blank Rome who blaze trails when it comes to DEI—those who are taking action to advance the firm’s DEI goals and developing and promoting forward-thinking initiatives and programs that cultivate an inclusive and high-performing culture. We are thrilled to honor Morgan and Samantha, who are most deserving, with these awards as they work tirelessly to lead, support, and promote DEI efforts at Blank Rome, in their communities, and throughout the legal industry,” said Krystal Studavent Ramsey, Blank Rome’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion.
Morgan F. Mouchette • Partner, Matrimonial & Family Law
The 2023 Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones Diversity and Inclusion Award Recipient
Established in 2013, the Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones Diversity and Inclusion Award is presented annually to a Blank Rome attorney or professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting DEI within the firm. The award is named in honor of Nathaniel R. Jones, a trailblazing civil rights leader, activist, and former judge who joined Blank Rome in 2002 and served as the firm’s first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this special award,” said Morgan. “Judge Jones played a critical role in advancing our firm’s commitment to DEI, and dedicated himself both inside and out of the workplace to advocating for equal opportunity, rights, and justice. I am proud to honor his memory by mirroring his passion and commitment to advancing DEI at Blank Rome and across the legal industry.”
Morgan plays a significant role in developing and implementing DEI strategy and promoting inclusiveness at Blank Rome. She serves as a cabinet member and co-chair of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, where she discusses DEI activities and events, provides insights on recruiting and retention programs, and communicates firm development. From 2016 to 2023, Morgan was a co-chair of the firm’s multicultural affinity group BR United. Morgan and her co-chair Cheryl Chang led BR United to launch various mentorship, coaching, and leadership development programs. Morgan now co-chairs the affinity subgroup BR Black, a professional community for colleagues of the African and Black diaspora to gather, share, and address issues and concerns that impact the group, and engage in work to educate and spread awareness about the different cultures and ethnicities of the Black ethnocultural backgrounds.
Outside the firm, Morgan serves as an officer and member of the board of directors of the New York Women’s Bar Association; serves on the board of directors of the Black Big Law Pipeline in New York; and is a trustee on the board of the Garden School. She is also active within the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and the non-profit My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper in New York.
Morgan has received additional DEI awards and recognitions, including being named to the Lawyers of Color 2022 Power List and receiving the Crain’s New York Business 2022 Notable Diverse Leader Award. In 2015, Morgan was named a Blank Rome Fellow to the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, which is a landmark program created to identify, train, and advance the next generation of leaders in the legal profession. That same year, she received Blank Rome’s Edwin P. Rome Pro Bono Award for her successful work representing an Iraq war veteran in connection with a difficult and protracted custody matter.
Samantha Wallack • Partner & Co-Chair, Real Estate
Bonnie Glantz Fatell 2023 Women’s Advocacy and Leadership Award Recipient
The Bonnie Glantz Fatell Women’s Advocacy and Leadership Award is presented annually by Blank Rome’s women’s affinity group – BR Women – in recognition of an attorney or professional who has contributed significantly to women’s advocacy and leadership, both at the firm and in their community. The award is named in honor of Blank Rome’s late colleague, Bonnie Glantz Fatell, and is a lasting tribute to her legacy and contributions to Blank Rome and the countless lives she touched during her nearly 35 years with the firm.
“I knew Bonnie well and deeply appreciate the time I was able to spend with and learn from her,” said Samantha. “Bonnie was an outstanding attorney, women’s advocate, and overall inspiration to the entire legal community, and I am honored to receive this award in her memory. Inspired by Bonnie and many other strong, female leaders throughout my career, I strive to continue their legacies by also supporting, promoting, and mentoring women.”
A deserving recipient of this distinguished honor, Samantha is fully engaged in Blank Rome’s women’s group. She is a former co-chair of BR Women, an active member of BR Women’s New York Liaison Group, a founding member of Blank Rome’s Women Who Lead, and an active participant in the firm’s Women’s Leadership Summit Planning Committee. Samantha is also a passionate mentor and is an active participant in the firm’s recruitment of women.
In the business community, Samantha is an active member of Commercial Real Estate Women (“CREW”) and CREW New York, and the New York Women Executives in Real Estate. In the community at large, Samantha is passionate about animal rescue and volunteers at Souls of Satos and Best Friends Animal Society of New York, and also actively supports Friends of the Children New York.
Samantha has received numerous professional honors, including being recognized as a New York Business Journal 2022 Woman of Influence. She was also recognized in the 2023 Legal 500 United States and in Globe Street Real Estate Forum’s 2021 Class of Women of Influence and Women to Watch.