Seyfarth and MetLife Announce New Fellowship to Advance Diversity
By Lawdragon News | May 31, 2017 | Press Releases, Seyfarth Shaw News
NEW YORK, May 25, 2017 – Seyfarth Shaw LLP and MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) announced today the 2017 Seyfarth/MetLife 1L Summer Fellowship Program. The fellowship will provide law students from diverse backgrounds with a wider range of law firm and in-house corporate legal experience.
The Seyfarth/MetLife Fellowship advances the commitment by both Seyfarth and MetLife to further diversify their respective organizations and the broader legal profession. A diverse and inclusive work environment is critical to how each organization does business, central to the clients and customers they serve and representative of the communities in which their professionals live and work.
“Diversity initiatives across the legal profession should offer the same level of innovation and opportunities for collaboration that drive our respective businesses,” said Marcantonio Barnes, senior counsel at Seyfarth who spearheaded the Seyfarth/MetLife Fellowship. “The Seyfarth-MetLife relationship is as much a reflection of our joint commitment in this area as it is a demonstration of our intent to work together to improve diversity results across the legal profession.”
The 10-week paid fellowship will provide a first-year law student with unique, first-hand experience working alongside lawyers at Seyfarth’s firm and MetLife’s Legal Affairs organization in New York City.
“Partnering with Seyfarth is a natural fit for both of our organizations and aligned with our commitment to accelerating diversity within the legal profession,” said Ricardo Anzaldua, executive vice president and general counsel, MetLife, Inc. “The fellowship will help students build well-rounded skillsets as they pursue legal careers while also strengthening the pipeline of diverse future leaders throughout our profession.”
“Diversity of people and ideas are paramount to delivering higher value throughout our profession, and we’re honored to work with the dedicated team at MetLife in providing a unique new experience for our fellows,” said Laura Maechtlen, co-chair of Seyfarth’s Diversity & Inclusion Action Team.
The Seyfarth/MetLife Fellow will work on a variety of matters and projects and participate in meetings with clients and business partners. The fellow will also shadow lawyers at both organizations to gain practical, hands-on experience. The summer fellow will begin the fellowship at Seyfarth’s office and conclude at MetLife’s global headquarters.
About Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Seyfarth Shaw has more than 800 attorneys in 14 offices providing a broad range of legal services in the areas of labor and employment, employee benefits, litigation, corporate and real estate. Seyfarth’s clients include over 300 of the Fortune 500 companies and reflect virtually every industry and segment of the economy. A recognized leader in delivering value and innovation for legal services, Seyfarth has earned numerous accolades from a variety of highly respected industry associations, consulting firms and media.
