Holland & Knight issued the following announcement on July 10.
Holland & Knight has hired its first Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Yusuf Z. Zakir. He will reside in the firm's Los Angeles office.
Mr. Zakir previously managed diversity recruiting and engagement at Latham & Watkins. He began his career as a securities litigator and also served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Virginia A. Phillips of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. He earned a J.D. degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles and a B.A. degree from the University of Toronto. Mr. Zakir is involved in community engagement and outreach and serves as a board member for the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals.
As Holland & Knight's Director of Diversity and Inclusion, he will work closely with the firm's Diversity Partner, Diversity Council and other firm leaders to enhance the recruiting, retention and development of those who are traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. He will also help coordinate the firm's various diversity and inclusion programs, communications and client engagement efforts.
"We're very excited to have Yusuf join the firm and help further develop our diversity and inclusion initiatives," said Tiffani Lee, Holland & Knight's Diversity Partner. "At Holland & Knight, we are working to embed diversity and inclusion into every aspect of the firm – from recruiting and professional development to marketing and community service. Yusuf's talent and experience will greatly enhance the strategy, coordination and impact of these efforts."
"As a child of immigrants and a first generation lawyer, my commitment to diversity and inclusion is very personal. I'm passionate about helping organizations become more inclusive," said Mr. Zakir. "A diverse and inclusive organization is simply better in every way, and I'm proud to help the firm build on its success in this area."
Original source can be found here.