As part of its ongoing effort to foster a diverse workplace, Hiscock & Barclay, LLP announced the appointment of Sheila A. Gaddis to the newly established position of Diversity Partner of the Firm. She will also serve as Co-Chair of the Firm's Diversity Partner Committee, a five member group that advises the firm on issues related to the attraction and retention of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
"Hiscock & Barclay is committed to continually raising the bar and challenging ourselves to do whatever we can to attract outstanding lawyers and staff from diverse backgrounds and to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace," said Hiscock & Barclay's Managing Partner John P. Langan. "Sheila Gaddis has a track record of breaking down barriers and fighting to help people obtain justice. We share the same values and look forward to her advice and counsel as we move ahead."
In addition to her firm wide responsibilities, Gaddis will concentrate her legal practice in the areas of non-profit law and administration, and health care and human services.
Gaddis has extensive experience in developing and implementing initiatives aimed at promoting diversity. She serves as Executive Director of the Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County, Inc. and has been involved extensively with the New York State Bar Association committees on Minorities in the Profession, Funding for Civil Legal Services and President's Access to Justice initiative. She has also been co-chair of the state-wide Pro Bono Coordinator's Network. Gaddis actively participates in the Monroe County Bar Association's Minority Clerkship Program and the President's Commission on Access to Justice. In addition, she is a member of the John Marshall High School Law and Government Advisory Committee, which is instrumental in assisting urban students obtain real-world experience through legal internships.
Gaddis has also promoted diversity at a national level as a project consultant for the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention and the U.S. Department of Education, Safe and Drug Free Schools Program, and as a review panelist for the U.S. Administration for Children & Families, Basic Center Grant program.
Hiscock & Barclay's Diversity Partner Committee also includes Linda Clark, James Grossman, Susan Katzoff, and Thomas Knab. These attorneys lead a larger firm-wide diversity committee of 23 employees, which span all offices and employee levels. It was formed in 2002 and its mission is to create a workplace of choice, founded on principles of diversity, and guided by a commitment to professional excellence.