Blank Rome Appoints Sophia Lee as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Sophia Lee has been appointed Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, joining Christopher A. Lewis, Blank Rome’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer since May 2011, on advancing Blank Rome’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Prior to Chris, Judge Nathaniel R. Jones served as the Firm’s first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer from 2006 to 2011.
“For more than 70 years, Blank Rome has maintained our founders’ commitment and dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within our law firm, our profession, and the communities where we live and work,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Managing Partner and CEO. “We are thrilled that Sophia is joining Chris as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, building on our current efforts as we continue to expand our Firm’s national platform.”
“I have been lucky to work closely with Sophia on a number of Blank Rome’s successful diversity and inclusions programs recently,” added Chris. “Sophia brings a focused commitment and fresh perspective to our goal of increasing and harnessing the diverse attributes, backgrounds, and experiences of our professionals to provide the best service to our clients. I am excited to partner with her to lead and advance our ongoing efforts.”
In her new role as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Sophia will also serve as co-chair of the Firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and work closely with the Firm’s BR Pride, BR United, and Women’s Forum affinity groups on strategic recruiting and mentoring, client networking events, career development and advancement programs, and ongoing outreach to local and national communities.
“I am honored to be appointed as the Firm’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Offer,” said Sophia. “Working with Chris and our Firm’s leadership, as well as our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, affinity groups, and clients, I look forward to taking Blank Rome’s longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion to the next level, identifying and implementing creative new strategies and opportunities into our Firm’s Strategic Plan for ongoing growth and success in this important area.”
Sophia is a partner in Blank Rome’s Energy group, concentrating her litigation practice on environmental, products liability, and toxic tort matters in the energy industry. She previously served as chief litigation counsel at Sunoco, Inc., and in the litigation department of an Am Law 100 firm. In addition to her legal practice, Sophia is the former diversity chair for the Philadelphia Bar Association, a past co-president of the Philadelphia Diversity Law Group, a past president and current board member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania, and a past board member of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.