Impact Report | Mintz Impact Report

Community & Commitment Report

Discover inspiring stories and the impact we’ve made together.

Our Community & Commitment Report offers a closer look at these inspiring stories, and we invite you to explore the impact we’ve made together.

— Bob Bodian

Managing Member

In 2025, we worked together to fulfill our mission to empower our people, serve our clients, and strengthen the communities around us. We advanced meaningful client work across industries, while also bridging the gap in access to justice through pro bono work. We shaped our culture through connection, mentorship, and shared experiences to create a sense of belonging. And we invested in our people to support career growth at all levels.

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Understand who we are through a collection of insights, leadership perspectives, and key highlights — from impactful stories and firm milestones to profiles of the individuals shaping our inclusive community.

Who we are

Meet the Affinity Group Chairs

We believe that exceptional client service begins with the culture we build together. Creating inclusive, supportive spaces for our people strengthens how we collaborate, grow, and lead — enabling us to deliver thoughtful, impactful counsel to the clients who trust us with their most complex challenges.

Member, Co-chair, Mintz Pride Litigation, New York

— Suman Chakraborty

I am a firm believer that those of us who have found success in our profession have a responsibility to create paths to success for others. When LGBTQ+ attorneys can show up fully and be their authentic selves, it creates better lawyers, better teams, and better firms. I stepped into this role to help make that the norm, not the exception.

// Who we are

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Read a collection of stories showcasing client impact, community engagement, and meaningful legal work across industries and initiatives, demonstrating how the firm drives positive change locally and globally.

Leading with Purpose

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Learn about the initiatives that strengthen the Mintz community, highlighting individual journeys, inclusive engagement, and meaningful connections across the firm.

Building Our Community

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are employees of color

36%

of Mintz’s C-suite leaders are women

50%

of employees participate actively in a firm affinity group

60%

to pro bono work

In 2025, 423 Mintz colleagues dedicated more than

hours

16000

// By the Numbers

Member, Chair, Pro Bono Committee

— Sue Finegan

The pro bono work our attorneys and staff do serves as a powerful force for good in the communities where we work and beyond. Being able to use our legal talents and resources to help people and nonprofits in need is extremely rewarding.

// Leadership Perspectives on Impact

What impact does your work have?

Miyoko Sato

Member, Chair, Equity Advisory Council

Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Narges Kakalia

Member, Chair, Pro Bono Committee

Sue Finegan

Managing Member

Bob Bodian

Member, Chair, Equity Advisory Council

— Miyoko Sato

Impact starts with the work right in front of you. The law can feel overwhelming, whether you’re a company trying to do right by its people or someone facing a situation that feels impossibly high stakes. When I can bring clarity to that moment, that’s impact. And it extends to how we show up inside this firm, too. When every person has real support and a genuine opportunity to succeed, the work we do for our clients and our communities is stronger for it. Impact is showing up, every day, in ways that make the playing field a little more level.

What does impact mean to you?

Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

— Narges Kakalia

Our culture and our clients benefit immeasurably when every employee has the opportunity and confidence to speak up and articulate how our clients’ problems should be addressed. The most meaningful part of my work is being able to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and to help our colleagues access the tools that will take them from curious and committed, to confident and commanding the room.

What is the most meaningful part of your work?

More than

Associate, Co-chair, MIATTY Corporate, San Diego

— Ryan Urban

MIATTY has always been and continues to be a community focused on developing deep personal connections, meaningful mentorship opportunities, and belonging that extends beyond the workplace. I’m proud to say I’ve been a part of this group since Day One at Mintz and during my time the relationships have been organic, voices have been amplified, and shared stories have been sources of strength through challenging times. Leading the organization has given me the opportunity to extend that same level of support to others and ensure that MIATTY remains a place where people feel seen and empowered.

Associate, Chair, Women’s Associate Subcommittee Corporate, Boston

— Sarah Palmer

I was inspired to lead this group by seeing how intentional leadership development strengthens the firm and improves outcomes for everyone. To me, our group’s work is about building clear pathways to leadership that are paired with advocacy, accountability, and access. It ensures women associates are positioned to advance, influence decision-making, and shape the future of the firm.

Member, Co-chair, Minority Attorneys and Patent Agents (MIATTY) Corporate, Boston

— Dinesh Melwani

Relationships built through MIATTY go well beyond programming. They’re the late-night prep sessions, the honest career conversations, and having someone who truly gets it when you need it most. That’s what keeps people rooted here.

Member, Chair, Women’s Initiative Employment, Boston

— Geri Haight

When women are matched with meaningful opportunities at pivotal moments and supported by strong advocates, they’re positioned to advance their careers and serve as leaders. That’s what motivated me to be part of building that infrastructure at Mintz.

DEI Specialist, Chair, Staff Talent Affinity Resource (STAR) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Boston

— Jeendanie Lorthe

I was inspired to lead STAR to create a space where our professional staff can connect and get to know one another beyond their day-to-day roles. It gives staff the opportunity to build community, share experiences, and have conversations that may not always happen in other settings. I also value the opportunity STAR creates to showcase the diverse backgrounds within our staff community and help educate our colleagues across the firm.

Associate, Co-chair, Mintz Pride Antitrust, New York

— Sherwet Witherington

Today, I have the privilege of being visible as a woman married to another woman and raising kids — something that wasn’t always possible for me as an Egyptian-born veteran who served under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Being visible, building community, and creating an environment where people feel a sense of belonging matters more than ever, especially when people who look, live, and love like I do face so much animosity.

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Our Community & Commitment Report highlights the interconnected initiatives — pro bono, DEI, community engagement, and leadership — that define who we are. We welcome opportunities to partner with clients and colleagues to amplify these commitments and build a more inclusive future.

Learn more about Mintz's culture and how you can join us in shaping what’s next.

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Shaping What’s Next, Together

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Learn about the initiatives that strengthen the Mintz community, highlighting individual journeys, inclusive engagement, and meaningful connections across the firm.

Building Our Community

Learn more

Leading with Purpose

// Leadership Perspectives on Impact

Building Our Community

Leading with Purpose

Who we are

Meet the Affinity Group Chairs

By the Numbers

Leadership Perspectives on Impact

Welcome Letter

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Who We Are

Cultivating Inclusion, Driving Engagement

A Summer at Mintz

Unconventional Paths to Law

Career Insights from Women Leaders

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Building Our Community

Select chapter or section to Explore

// Community & Commitment Report

Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Narges Kakalia

Member, Chair, Equity Advisory Council

Miyoko Sato

Managing Member

Bob Bodian

Member, Chair, Pro Bono Committee

Sue Finegan

Managing Member

Bob Bodian

Member, Chair, Pro Bono Committee

Sue Finegan

Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Narges Kakalia

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Learn more about Mintz's culture and how you can join us in shaping what’s next.

The Wave at Coyote Buttes area Vermilion Cliffs National Monument with

What inspired you to lead an affinity group at Mintz, and what does its mission mean to you personally?

Mintz in the Community

Global climate Impact

Pro Bono & Advocacy

Women Connecting Leaders

Powering Women's Health Innovation

Women Leading Across Key Client Matters

Defining a Practice Legacy

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Leading with Purpose

More than

Of our new hires in 2025,

Member, Chair, Equity Advisory Council

Miyoko Sato

Building Our Community

// Community & Commitment Report

In March 2025, the Women’s Initiative Steering Committee at Mintz launched its inaugural Coffee & Connections: Conversations About Careers. This virtual series brings Members together with newer and more junior attorneys and business professionals for candid discussions about career development and everything that comes with it.

Business Development, Early and Often

Unconventional Paths to Law: Perspectives from Four Associates Who Took a Different Route

Career Insights from Women Leaders: How One Mintz Initiative Has Fostered Growth Across Generations

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Shaping What’s Next, Together

Learn more about Mintz's culture and how you can join us in shaping what’s next.

Mintz Pride Retreat

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Leading with Purpose

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Who we are

Success Takes Many Forms

Rethinking Success Over Time

Since 1933, we’ve taken pride in advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and at our firm. In partnership with firmwide affinity groups and collaborators, Mintz hosts events that provide networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for diverse communities within the firm.

Cultivating Inclusion, Driving Engagement: Event Highlights

A Summer at Mintz: Stories from Our 2025 Associates

Attorneys with diverse professional backgrounds strengthen problem-solving within teams and reinforce a firm culture that values different perspectives. We asked four Associates who came to law from careers in biotech, military service, intelligence, and medicine to share what led them here and how the work they did before law school continues to shape the way they practice and serve our clients today.

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IP Prosecution, San Diego

— Sophia Petrichenko

Working for a startup made me realize I wanted to be in the room when decisions were being made, but I also didn’t want to stop using my technical degree. That’s what led me to law — and it shapes how I support clients today.

Before law school, Sophia worked in medical devices and biotech. At a startup, that meant wearing a lot of hats, from benchtop scientist and systems engineer to regulatory and legal documentation writer. She came away with a working understanding of how products are developed and brought to market, and what can go wrong along the way. Today, as an intellectual property (IP) attorney, Sophia draws on that technical background to help clients protect what they’ve created at every stage of development.

Sophia Petrichenko

Members Jen Rubin and Natalie Groot opened the series by sharing how their careers unfolded in different ways. Jen described a progression marked by deliberate pivots: moving between firms, stepping back from full-time work to prioritize family, and later relocating across the country to launch a new practice.

Natalie’s path appeared more linear, from Project Analyst to Summer Associate, then Associate and ultimately Member. However, she emphasized that even a straightforward trajectory comes with challenges and decisions that aren’t always visible from the outside.

Both emphasized that mentorship is critical in navigating these decisions. Natalie shared, “When I’ve faced hurdles or big choices, I call Jen. Having trusted voices to help you weigh options and remind you to do what’s right for you and your family makes all the difference.” Jen echoed this sentiment: “You don’t have to figure it out alone.”

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Meet the Affinity Group Chairs

By the Numbers

Leadership Perspectives on Impact

Welcome Letter

Who We Are

Health Law and Health Care Enforcement Chair Karen Lovitch and fellow Member Lauren Moldawer led a Q&A focused on business development (BD) strategies, including cultivating relationships, leveraging contacts, and why early advice matters even when it feels remote from an Associate’s daily workload.

During their session, Karen and Lauren addressed common misconceptions, such as the idea that BD only matters once you’re a partner. They stressed that early habits — such as attending industry events, staying in touch with classmates, and finding authentic ways to connect — help create a foundation for future success.

Karen underscored how mentorship and peer learning complement BD strategies.

In the final session of 2025, Members Talia Primor and Tali Tuchin invited participants to step back from immediate pressures and consider how priorities shift over time. Tali shared her perspective on life after children leave home, a stage that can feel distant for many but eventually arrives.

Talia emphasized that hearing from Associates and junior Members she hadn’t met before underscored a universal truth.

Tali summed up the purpose behind Coffee & Connections: “It helps normalize the experience of stress and competing demands and demystify what it means to be a Member. My goal in every communication and conversation I have with every person at this firm is to increase our connection. And I think this did.”

Who we are

Leading with Purpose

Building Our Community

IP Litigation, Los Angeles

Jason Zhang

Antitrust, New York

Sherwet Witherington

IP Prosecution, San Diego

Sophia Petrichenko

Litigation, Washington, DC

Nakia Arrington

More than 60 LGBTQ+ attorneys, professional staff, and allies gathered for Mintz’s inaugural Pride Retreat, which turned a long-standing commitment into a shared experience across offices. Managing Member Bob Bodian opened the event by underscoring that inclusion is part of Mintz’s long-standing values, then invited colleagues at different career stages to lead the conversation. Guest speakers, including Mintz alumni and a representative from The Pryde, a residential living facility for LGBTQ+ elders, encouraged attendees to think about community and career over the long term. Guided by Mintz Pride co-chairs Suman Chakraborty and Sherwet Witherington, the retreat helped participants build networks, share lived experience, and identify concrete ways to support one another’s success.

Mintz Pride Retreat

Participating in Mintz’s inaugural Pride Retreat and moderating the Ally Panel was a powerful opportunity to listen, learn, and engage in honest dialogue about what meaningful allyship looks like in practice. Hearing directly from our LGBTQ+ colleagues helped take the guesswork out of allyship by grounding it in real experiences, needs, and perspectives. The retreat reinforced the importance of showing up thoughtfully and continuing to build a workplace, and broader community, where everyone feels supported and valued.

Associate Director of Business Development

— Jacqueline Dias

Associate, Pride Retreat Attendee

— Corbin Carter

The inaugural Pride Retreat created a meaningful space for connection, candor, and support for Mintz’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies. What amazed me is how Mintz has been able to foster an environment where honest conversations and professional development can go together so seamlessly. By creating these kinds of shared opportunities, Mintz is ensuring it will remain a place where all kinds of professionals can thrive authentically. Mintz’s decision to invest in this level of support reaffirmed that inclusion here isn’t symbolic; it is lived, resourced, and central to who we are as a firm.

MIATTY Retreat

This year’s two-day retreat in San Diego focused on “Upholding the Law in These Challenging Times.” Programming included a conversation with civil rights advocate Dr. Karen Korematsu, a session with attorney and bestselling author Arivee Vargas on “Leading from Your Roots: Recalibrating the Drivers of High Performance,” and a community service project, Mission Teddy Bear Drop.

MIATTY Retreat

For 24 years, the Minority Attorneys and Patent Agents (MIATTY) Retreat has brought together attorneys and patent agents of color from every Mintz office for mentorship, professional development, and community building.

Like a Boss

Afro Scholars Winter Retreat

Member

— LisaMarie Collins

I hope this reminds women that they are the boss — that women are the past, the present, and the future. There is no limit to personal or professional success when we work together and continue lifting one another up.

— Past Next Generation Attendee

We’re just beginning our journey and figuring out what we want to do in life. Having something like this helps us grow, learn, and avoid making the same mistakes.

Speakers have included C-suite executives, musicians, chefs, actresses, scientists, lawyers, authors, and more. Their stories share inspiration and practical advice on self-advocacy, creating opportunities, and leading teams.

Like a Boss

Participants meet Members and Associates, learn about the firm’s pro bono work, and take part in resume workshops and mock interviews that demystify the recruiting process. They also have room to ask questions about working in a firm environment and about the support available as they start their careers. Many students stay connected to the attorneys they meet, and some later return to Mintz as Summer Associates or full-time attorneys.

The Afro Scholars Winter Retreat, now in its third year, welcomes Black first-year law students for two days of skills training and relationship building. The program is designed to make large law firm practice more transparent and to give students direct access to Mintz attorneys.

Afro Scholars Winter Retreat

Mintz’s annual Like a Boss event highlights women leaders demonstrating the many paths to success. The program features a panel conversation, audience Q&A, and open networking for attendees of all ages.

Litigation, Washington, DC

— Nakia Arrington

Steel sharpens steel. The same approach that guided me leading Marines — staying calm, identifying the core issue, anticipating what comes next — is what I bring to my clients and my teams at Mintz.

At Mintz, she brings to every client engagement the approach shaped by two decades of military leadership: composure, clarity, and the ability to hold steady when the stakes are highest.

Nakia Arrington

Antitrust, New York

— Sherwet Witherington

I woke up very pregnant with my twin daughters at a seminal moment for my adopted country and thought, “Okay, now it’s time to go to law school.” Everything I do at Mintz is grounded in creating an environment of trust and loyalty where people feel, as we say in the military, “yeah, I would follow you into a burning building.

Sherwet served as a military intelligence officer in the US Army. Her daily practice then of sifting through large volumes of information to find what matters directly mirrors how she approaches legal research and client counseling now. Sherwet’s decision to attend law school came at a personal inflection point, and she brings to Mintz a leadership philosophy rooted in building trust, credibility, and loyalty.

Sherwet Witherington

IP Litigation, Los Angeles

— Jason Zhang

In medicine, empathy is a core clinical skill — you learn to understand each patient’s unique experience before making your assessment. I bring that same approach to IP law: understanding not just the technology, but the human stakes behind it.

Jason trained as a physician in internal medicine and ophthalmology before redirecting his career toward intellectual property law. His medical background, combined with prior training in computer science, allows him to engage deeply with the complex, cutting-edge technologies at the center of his practice. Jason credits clinical medicine with teaching him to listen to a client’s full story before moving to analysis, building the kind of trust that transforms a legal engagement into a true partnership.

Jason Zhang

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Learn more about Mintz's culture and how you can join us in shaping what’s next.

Learn more

// Community & Commitment Report

Select chapter or section to Explore

Cultivating Inclusion, Driving Engagement

A Summer at Mintz

Unconventional Paths to Law

Career Insights from Women Leaders

// 03

Building Our Community

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Mintz in the Community

Global climate Impact

Pro Bono & Advocacy

Women Connecting Leaders

Powering Women's Health Innovation

Women Leading Across Key Client Matters

Defining a Practice Legacy

// 02

Leading with Purpose

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Chrysanthemum Petals Flower Sunrise This is a macro photography of the beautiful yellow orange purple chrysanthemum on blue violet background Copy space

You are looking at the veins of different colored roses.

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Member

— Natalie Groot

It’s easy to see someone in a position of success and assume they started there and stayed there. Hearing Jen’s progression — stepping back from fulltime work, returning, and ultimately relocating to launch a new practice — made clear that advancement can be dynamic and evolving.

Member

— Jen Rubin

I want people to feel that they can be successful in the way that works for them at that moment in life. I worked part time, I worked full time, I moved firms, I even moved within Mintz — left New York for California and started a new practice here. Listen to that inner voice. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t force it; talk to people, get guidance, and think about what’s right for your life at the time.

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Member / Chair, Health Law Practice & Chair, Health Care Enforcement Defense Practice

— Karen Lovitch

Coffee & Connections offers the opportunity to learn from others in an informal virtual setting and to get to know each other better, which in turn fosters collaboration.

Member

— Lauren Moldawer

The BD advice I heard as an Associate — advice I thought wouldn’t work — actually does work. It just takes time.

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Member

— Talia Primor

You realize we’re all human beings, and your career can take a lot of different paths. Everyone deals with issues, and not everyone has it all together, but you can come out and have a successful career.

Member

— Tali Tuchin

Over the years, most conversations in my circle have focused on balancing a career with family obligations. For this session, I wanted to ask colleagues to consider a different perspective: one day your children will be out of the house, and how will you step into your power when that day comes? I encouraged attendees to think about what they want to be 10 years from now, and how they want to be able to describe themselves at that time. The exercise sparked a fun and honest discussion.

For 20 years, Nakia led Marines in the US Marine Corps. The job required her to remain the calmest person in high-stakes situations, identify the core issue before anyone else named it, and make consequential decisions with incomplete information — then own the outcome. Over time, Nakia realized that a meaningful part of that work had always been legal: interpreting the Uniform Code of Military Justice, counseling under it, and advising leadership on it.

Associate, MIATTY Retreat Attendee

— Sebastian Navarro

MIATTY is a unique opportunity to fully engage with my Mintz peers. At each retreat, I had the opportunity to candidly discuss my work life and personal experiences in a welcoming environment. That helps us connect on a personal level and foster friendships, which means a lot to me.

Mintz in the Community

Global climate Impact

Pro Bono & Advocacy

Women Connecting Leaders

Powering Women's Health Innovation

Women Leading Across Key Client Matters

Defining a Practice Legacy

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Leading with Purpose