Media Mentions
2009
Lisa Linsky was cited in the August 13 issue of New York Lawyer for being named diversity liaison to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community for the board of the National Association of Women Lawyers.
Lisa Linsky is quoted in Transgender Issues in the Workplace concerning McDermott's inclusive policy toward transgender persons. "If we were going to create a culture that was committed to inclusion and equality, we had to expand our policies to include protections for employees based on gender expression and identity as well as sexual orientation," Ms. Linsky stated, adding "it was not a hard sell at our firm. There was a willingness to look at transgender workplace issues and acknowledge that this is the right thing to do." She noted that "law firms are increasingly paying attention to issues involving sexual orientation and gender expression and identity in the workplace," because "transgender workers bring the sort of diversity of opinions and creative problem-solving skills that clients want from their legal providers." To view the publication click here.
Lisa Linsky, Todd Solomon and Brian Tiemann are quoted in a June 2009 Chicago Lawyer article on diversity that includes McDermott's strong commitment to inclusiveness of lawyers regardless of their sexual orientation. Ms. Linsky noted that the Firm's 100 percent score from the Human Rights Campaign for workplace equality and inclusion of LGBT individuals "demonstrat[es] that we are mirroring our commitment to LGBT diversity much like our clients and prospective clients are." Mr. Solomon also emphasized that "the Firm is supportive of diversity," citing its sponsorship of and presence at Lavender Law recruiting events for LGBT law students. Mr. Tiemann described his recruitment for McDermott through Lavender Law, adding that the Firm's participation in the event offers assurance "indicating that they promote diversity and that diversity for LGBT lawyers is important to them."
Lisa A. Linsky, Todd A. Solomon, Brian J. Tiemann, Trial
Lisa Linsky was cited in Diversity & The Bar (May/June 2009) for her appointment to lead McDermott's diversity initiatives and programs as first partner-in-charge of firm-wide diversity. The article noted that Ms. Linsky created and has chaired McDermott's innovative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Diversity Committee since 2006, and will continue to do so.
Lisa Linsky was quoted in an April 24 story in Echelon Magazine about McDermott's successful pro bono effort, in conjunction with Lambda Legal, to reverse the Social Security Administration's denial of insurance benefits to the children of a disabled gay father who had fulfilled all prerequisites for the benefits. Noting that a number of McDermott Trial and Employee Benefits lawyers had participated in the effort as part of the Firm's commitment to pro bono and diversity, Ms. Linsky said that the Social Security Administration's reversal "validated fundamental principles of law and public policy," and that it "confirms the rights of all parents and children, regardless of the parents' sexual orientation." Other McDermott lawyers on the team included Amy Gordon, Elizabeth Philpott and Todd Solomon.
Amy M. Gordon, Lisa A. Linsky, Elizabeth P. Philpott, Todd A. Solomon, Employee Benefits & Pensions, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Lisa A. Linsky was mentioned on February 25 by Echelon Magazine regarding her appointment as McDermott Will & Emery's first partner-in-charge of firm-wide diversity. Ms. Linsky created and has chaired McDermott's innovative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Diversity Committee since 2006, and will continue to do so. To view the entire article click here.
2008
Lisa A. Linsky was mentioned in the October 20 issue of the Legal Times in an article regarding law firms' extension of benefits to gay and lesbian employees. Many law firms have established diversity committees, take part in specialized recruitment fairs and extend employee benefits, including medical coverage and survivor pension benefits, to same-sex partners and their children. Ms. Linsky, chair of McDermott's LGBT committee, noted that firms have created programs that appeal to gay and lesbian lawyers because they "are represented among the top talent in the country and we want to attract them." She added that "a large component is that this is the right thing to do."
Lisa A. Linsky was quoted in the June 27 issue of the New York Law Journal in an article regarding a suit against the federal government on behalf of Gary Day, a disabled gay father whose requests for financial assistance for his two children have been repeatedly ignored. Ms. Linsky, Todd A. Solomon, Amy M. Gordon, Daniel A. Mullen and Robin L. Zimmerly have teamed with Lambda Legal to represent Mr. Day in the case. Ms. Linsky noted that Mr. Day and his children "meet all the requirements that the agency needs to provide benefits" and that the Social Security Administration's delayed response "is unwarranted and prejudicial" and "constitutes blatant discrimination."
Amy M. Gordon, Lisa A. Linsky, Todd A. Solomon, Trial
Lisa A. Linsky was quoted in the June 10 issue of The Legal Intelligencer in an article regarding how summer associates can make the most of their experiences. Ms. Linsky noted that summer associates provide a fresh perspective that is both appreciated and welcome at McDermott. She started the Firm's LGBT Diversity Committee in response to summer associates' questions about whether the Firm had gay attorneys with whom students could speak about sexual orientation issues. "The committee has completely enhanced the culture of the Firm, and the collegiality of the attorneys and staff," she said. "This is the sort of opportunity that connects you and roots you to a firm. It enables you to establish relationships with colleagues from all over the world, not just your home office," she added.
Lisa A. Linsky was quoted on May 28 by ProudParenting.com in an article regarding Gary Day’s anti-gay discrimination lawsuit against the Social Security Administration (SSA). Day, a disabled gay father, has repeatedly requested SSA assistance for his children, but his requests have been ignored for two years. Ms. Linsky, co-counsel for Day, noted that "The SSA is putting these children at a disadvantage by being unresponsive to Mr. Day's request. He and his children meet all the requirements that the agency needs to provide benefits. Delaying a response to their request for assistance for over two years is unwarranted and prejudicial to these children."
Lisa A. Linsky was mentioned in the May 12 issue of the New York Law Journal and the May 6 issue of Echelon Magazine in an article noting her recent election as Board Secretary and member of the executive committee of Lambda Legal's Board of Directors.
Lisa A. Linsky was mentioned in the May 12 issue of New York Lawyer in the publication’s NY Lawyers On the Move section. Ms. Linsky’s election as Board Secretary and member of the executive committee of Lambda Legal’s Board of Directors was noted.
2007
Lisa A. Linsky was mentioned in an April 12 article on NYLawyer.com, a New York Law Journal publication, regarding her recent election to the board of directors of Lambda Legal, a New York organization focusing on the civil rights of lesbians, gay men and people with HIV/AIDS.
2006
The following McDermott attorneys were recognized by The Door on its Pro Bono Honor Roll: KC Goyer, Lisa Linsky, Carolyn Schiff and Meishin Riccardulli. The Door is New York City's premier youth development agency, offering unique and highly effective programs for young people ages 12 to 21. The Door's mission is to empower young people to reach their potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment.
Kathryn C Goyer, Lisa A. Linsky, Meishin Y. Riccardulli, Carolyn T. Schiff, Pro Bono & Community Service
