Pepperdine Caruso Law Alumni Recognized by Los Angeles Business Journal as Leaders in Law
Pepperdine Caruso Law alumni were recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal at its annual "Leaders in Law" award ceremony on October 22. Each year, the Los Angeles Business Journal recognizes both firm attorneys and general counsel. Candidates in each category are recognized for exceptional legal skill and achievement across the full spectrum of responsibility, exemplary leadership as evidenced by the highest professional and ethical standards, and for contributions to the Los Angeles community at large. Among the Pepperdine alumni nominated for awards were:
- James Azadian - Dykema Gossett PLLC
- Ken Choi - Oceanwide Plaza LLC
- Andrew J. Dunbar - Bel Air Investment Advisors
- Richard Kaplan - Kaplan Marino
- Stacey McGuire - Pelican Products
- Jim Rishwain - Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
- Joel Sherwin - Weinberg Gonser
- Mehdi Sinaki - Capna Intellectual, Inc.
- Natalie Swanson - Riot Games
Pepperdine Caruso Law Assistant Dean of Career Development Chalak Richards delivered the keynote address at the awards ceremony, which was held at the LA Grand Hotel. Richards is the first keynote speaker ever invited by the Los Angeles Business Journal for the "Leaders in Law" event.
Richards spoke about inclusion in the law, commenting, "I would define inclusion as something much simpler: the creation of communities at our law schools, law firms, and businesses that are more than allowing people into a place that was not made for them like a guest, but creating a community that makes all people know it is their home. If we do that, we will truly have made inclusive environments that make for a better practice of law and the administration of justice. At Pepperdine, we attempt to normalize the various viewpoints and prevent the students of color and diversity from bearing the burden of creating the conversation. We recognize that it is our duty to create a home in the law school where there is no additional burden. By expanding our communities and making the law a home for all people, we will be only enhancing our abilities to fairly and equally administer justice."