K&L Gates LLP offices across the firm’s global platform are hosting events throughout the month of March to celebrate International Women’s Day 2022, including events benefiting local women’s shelters; client-facing and internal luncheons and breakfasts; panel discussions focusing on accelerating women’s equality around the world; wine and beer tastings from women-owned businesses; and a kickoff presentation by Chief U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Texas, Barbara M. G. Lynn, the first female Chief District Judge in Texas.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women that also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. This year’s global theme, “Break the Bias,” reflects the idea that everyone is responsible for finding ways to eliminate bias in all aspects of life, including workplaces, communities, learning institutions, and beyond.

“K&L Gates is harnessing the energy and spirit of International Women’s Day to raise awareness against bias and take action for equality,” said Cindy Ohlenforst, a partner in the Dallas office who chairs the firm’s global Women in the Profession Committee. “We recognize that even the smallest changes can make a big difference in our communities.”

The firm invites all lawyers, employees, clients, and friends to make a pledge for diversity and inclusion using the online pledge form. Pledges should encourage, support, and embrace diversity and inclusion and record initiatives, goals, or positive changes individuals plan to make in their workplace.

K&L Gates’ firmwide Women in the Profession Committee works to identify and promote ways for women lawyers to advance their careers, to promote women as leaders and role models, and to enhance the sense of community among women professionals across our global platform.

The firm sponsors and participates in a number of diversity-related programs. Internally, these include the firm’s establishment of a global policy recognizing diversity hours for its lawyers; a Conversation About Race speaker series focusing on the lingering effects of inequality and systemic racism in society; an equal justice pro bono effort to provide pro bono assistance in areas of particular need, such as voting rights, criminal justice reform, and the rights of indigenous peoples; and a Pathway to Success client development program with Ms. JD to aid the firm’s women and diverse associates in building their careers.

To read more about K&L Gates’ commitment and approach to diversity and inclusion, please visit the firm’s website.