Hunton & Williams LLP Attorney Selected as LCLD Fellow

RICHMOND, Va. — March 18, 2011 — Rudene Mercer Haynes, a partner in Hunton & Williams Richmond office, was recently selected to participate in the national Leadership Council on Legal Diversity's newly launched Fellows Program. The unique mentoring program, designed to enhance the careers of high-potential attorneys from diverse backgrounds, will provide opportunities for more than 100 "fellows" to connect with and learn from the law firm managing partners and corporate general counsel who make up the LCLD's membership.

Hunton & Williams partner Robert Grey, who is currently serving a two-year term as executive director of the non profit organization, stated: "The Fellows Program supports the LCLD's goal of bringing leaders from law firm and corporate legal departments together to create programs that will ultimately increase the level of diversity in the legal profession. Our expectation is that those who participate will not only use what they have learned to accelerate their own careers, but also share their knowledge with others—multiplying the program’s reach many times over."

The highly structured program will include three major professional development events over the coming year, as well as a series of virtual sessions on practical topics not covered in law school such as how to pitch legal services. Following the formal training program, each fellow will be assigned a coach from among the LCLD membership to offer long-term career support.

"I think the LCLD Fellows Program is heading in the right direction in developing a meaningful talent development initiative for diverse lawyers as opposed to creating a less impactful diversity event. I am honored to have the opportunity to learn firsthand from men and women who have distinguished themselves as leaders in the legal profession," said Haynes.

In addition to Robert Grey's leadership of this important organization, Hunton & Williams Managing Partner Wally Martinez serves as vice-chair of the LCLD Board of Directors.