Press Release
09/10/07 -
Vedder Price Associate Appointed to Associate Board of Chicago Committee on Minorities
Vedder Price announces that Dozie Okpalaobieri, an associate in the Firm’s Finance and Transactions Group, has been appointed to the Associate Board of the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms. The Chicago Committee is a non-profit membership-based organization dedicated to providing programming for its member law firms and constituency, addressing the need for increased racial and ethnic diversity in the legal profession. “The work that the Chicago Committee does is very important,” said Mr. Okpalaobieri. “It provides minority law students, associates and partners with a support system, helps develop leadership skills, and also carries out programs for people either entering or already involved with the legal profession.”
Generally, the Associate Board concentrates their efforts on, lawyer retention, programming for both law students and associates, the implementation of mentoring programs and the Pipeline Project, which encourages more minorities to go to law school and seek careers in the legal field.
After applying for the Board position, Mr. Okpalaobieri was interviewed by a panel consisting of Chicago Committee staff, as well as partner and existing member of the Chicago Committee Board. Throughout the application process, Mr. Okpalaobieri was supported by Lawrence J. Casazza, a shareholder at Vedder Price, and Chair of the Firm’s Diversity Committee. “We are delighted with Dozie’s appointment.” said Casazza. “We enthusiastically support and admire the work of the Chicago Committee. Dozie’s talents and energy will certainly be put to good use.”
Mr. Okpalaobieri’s responsibilities, along with a team of fellow board members, is to plan and implement several programs, the first of which is called "How To Get the Job You Want — After Law School,” to be held on October 2, 2007. This particular program will serve to provide first year law students with the practical knowledge and advice they need in order to succeed in law school, and ultimately get the jobs they want.
A second program, “Roundtable for First Year Associates,” will be held on November 14, 2007. The Roundtable is an opportunity for first year associates to meet with one another and ask partners candid questions.
The Associate Board will also be responsible for relationship-building between the Chicago Committee and a broad network of member alliances and affiliates, and will act as an advocate for issues of diversity and inclusion in Chicago-area law firms. In 2008, Mr. Okpalaobieri will also be part of the team responsible for the program, "Tips for Summer Associates," which provides advice from practicing attorneys on how to have a successful summer at their respective firms. Mr. Okpalaobieri’s one-year appointment to the Associate Board can be extended up to three consecutive years.
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