NEWSLETTER

On January 3, 2013, FordHarrison officially opened the doors of The FordHarrison School, located in the Prey Veng Province of southeastern Cambodia. After months of fundraising and planning, Orlando partner Kay Wolf, Los Angeles counsel Michelle Abidoye and Orlando legal assistant Amy Cook traveled to Cambodia for the dedication and to officially turn the school over to the country's Ministry of Education.

In rural Cambodia, hundreds of villages still lack a functional primary and secondary school.  Upon learning of this and of the efforts of the World Assistance for Cambodia organization, Wolf embarked upon a firm-wide plan to raise enough money to sponsor a school.

"This has been a wonderful experience," said Wolf.  "We were astounded at people's interest and generosity toward the project.  The idea just caught fire."

As a result of its efforts, FordHarrison was able to not only provide funds to build a five-room primary school building and its continuing operation, but also:

• a teacher position dedicated to teaching English and computer skills;
• six computers and enough solar panels to power them;
• a satellite connection for Internet access;
• school supplies for 420 students and additional teaching supplies;
• a printer with ink cartridges and paper;
• a digital camera;
• book shelves and books; and
• a deep water well with water filter.

"It was mind-boggling to me that the lack of educational opportunity is so vast there.  I strongly believe that education is going to be the key to helping the country figure out how to have a better future," said Wolf.

Wolf says the firm sees its sponsorship of the school as an ongoing relationship. "Although the children cannot speak fluent English now, we wanted them to be able to communicate with us.  We provided a digital camera so they can send us photographic updates on a monthly basis," said Wolf.

For more information about World Assistance for Cambodia and its rural schools program, visit
www.cambodiaschools.com/.

For more information about the firm's fundraising efforts for The FordHarrison School in Cambodia, please see our December 2012 Diversity...Moving Forward at www.fordharrison.com/8918.

Author: Dawn Siler-Nixon

FordHarrison strives to be on the cutting edge of our profession, and our firm's diversity efforts are no exception. Cultural competency, the ability to adapt, work and manage successfully in new and unfamiliar cultural settings, is a key component for any successful law firm in the twenty-first century. Recognizing and understanding cultural differences can help lawyers provide the highest quality of legal services to clients from different cultural backgrounds who, in the labor and employment context, often face situations involving individuals or adversaries whose experiences, values and backgrounds substantially differ from their own. FordHarrison's focus on cultural competence will enhance our ability to grasp issues, analyze and represent our clients effectively when faced with culturally diverse situations, where assumptions, values and traditions differ from our own or those of our clients'. It will also broaden our ability to recognize the impact of culture on the way people from different backgrounds perceive the same facts and enable us to respond in a meaningful way that benefits our clients. Lawyers who fail to understand the significance of cultural differences and, as a result, misinterpret behavior, will be less effective in establishing trust, rapport, and confidence and cannot effectively represent their clients. Cultural competence is about taking proactive steps to move forward, just like FordHarrison and its diversity efforts.

FordHarrison was pleased to have the opportunity to help support MCCA's mission by sponsoring MCCA's 12th Annual CLE Expo in San Diego.  FordHarrison attorneys Dawn Siler-Nixon, Robert Orozco and Vista Lyons and marketing manager Sarah Adams represented the firm. 

This year, Dawn Siler-Nixon was selected to participate in a panel on a very timely and important topic: How to Prevent Workplace Conflict and Violence.  Dawn and the other panelists drew from real life experience and real world examples of workplace violence and discussed what employers can do to prevent volatile employees from turning to violence.  Dawn provided a checklist to prepare for and respond to violence in the workplace which included characteristics to watch for in employees and a five step process for safe termination of a potentially violent individual.  If you are interested in receiving the checklist, email Dawn at dsiler-nixon@fordharrison.com.

These organizations are FordHarrison's client leaders of diversity and inclusion.  They have been highlighted as being leaders in this important area and have been chosen and recognized by their employees, peers, industry groups and organizations as being leaders of change and innovation in not only recognizing the need for diversity and inclusion, but taking significant steps towards its advancement in their industry and beyond.  We are proud at FordHarrison to have partnered with these diversity elite who have made a long-lasting impact on our professions and the world as a whole.

FordHarrison client, U.S. Security Associates (USA) recognizes that a strong sense of social responsibility delivers intangible employment benefits and is committed to building social responsibility not only through its own corporate efforts, but also by supporting the outreach efforts of its employees. Two USA employees, District Manager John MacLeod and Account Manager Michael Cline, recently had the honor of participating as Guardians on Honor Flights from Columbia, South Carolina and Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Washington, D.C.

The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization whose sole mission is to honor America's veterans¹. The organization arranges free guided transport of veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials, giving priority to senior veterans who may only have one opportunity for such a trip. Honor Flight provides veterans with bonding opportunities with others who have been in similar circumstances, life-long memories and a chance to be recognized and celebrated as heroes.

The role of an Honor Flight Guardian is to personally care for veterans during their travels from their hub destination to Washington D.C. and back again. Guardians provide assistance and guidance with a range of services, such as: assisting with trip planning and itinerary, supervising their charges' safety and physical needs, verifying that announcements are heard and understood, keeping an eye out for their personal items (deterring theft and ensuring nothing is accidentally left behind), stimulating conversation and listening with a sympathetic ear, ensuring the veteran's trip costs are entirely covered, and treating them with the respect and consideration of a loved family member or friend. Guardians act as the veterans' eyes, ears and hands during the trip. But by the end of the trip, most Guardians will tell you that it is their hearts that were affected most by the experience.

"I would like to thank U.S. Security Associates for sponsoring me and giving me an experience I will truly not forget! Throughout the day I was able to see both the smiles and tears from the veterans and those who had the honor of being their escort. It humbled me in ways I cannot even begin to express," says Michael Cline.

When asked about his experience and favorite part of the trip, Cline's answer is "The whole thing. But when I approached the Iwo Jima statue, with its black figures and waving flag silhouetted against a blue sky, and met a Marine who actually witnessed the flag raising, the conversation brought me to a profound level of emotion for him and all who served."

John MacLeod participated in honor of his father, who served in the Army Air Corp in the Pacific Theatre, and recommends the experience to anyone. "I was fortunate to have been assigned as guardian to two ambulatory gentlemen, each 86 year old WWII veterans, who were lifelong friends and had enlisted together in the army.  One of the two men had made the army his career, and had served in WWII, Korean War, and the Vietnam War. We visited all three of those memorials. I received a terrific letter from him afterward, describing the trip as 'the most satisfying day of his life."

MacLeod describes the high point for him, and a perfect end to the trip for the veterans, "was the surprise waiting at the airport when we returned: cheering crowds, marching bands, cheerleaders, people of all descriptions, all thanking these men for their service."

In every region where USA conducts business, there are heartfelt stories of employees contributing to their communities.  While USA may be one of the nation's largest security companies, its success is driven by employees who are local community supporters, neighbors and friends.

¹http://www.honorflight.org/

About U.S. Security Associates
U.S. Security Associates is North America's security solutions leader, with 160 locally-responsive offices providing high-quality national security services and global consulting and investigations. The company provides career paths for over 46,000 security professionals serving several thousand clients and a variety of industries. Recognized for world class customer service and leading-edge technology, U.S. Security Associates has the distinction of being first in the industry to achieve International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2000 registration (followed by ISO 9001:2009 re-certification) at our corporate headquarters and all of our field offices. ISO registration certifies that our service delivery processes meet a quality management standard accepted throughout the global community. The organization is ranked one of the world's 30 best training and development companies by ASTD and is listed as a Training magazine Top 125 training company for the seventh consecutive year.

USA is committed to building quality security programs that provide "Solutions for a Safer World™" – a commitment that is proven not only through ISO and Safety Act certifications, but by our management personnel, security officers and services on a daily basis. For more information visit www.ussecurityassociates.com.

Author: Aisha Sanchez

In the wake of high-profile transgender discrimination claim decisions, employers would be wise to prepare for a possible increase in gender-identity discrimination claims and review their policies and practices to help reduce the risks of such claims.  Some of the tasks employers may need to undertake to avoid liability in this area include revising existing policies and procedures, auditing internal forms, inspecting insurance policies and training employees on sensitivity to gender identity expression in the workplace.  Additionally, employers should consider their policies related to restroom and locker room use as well as employee dress codes. 
 
On June 25th at 12PM EST, I will present Gender Identity & Discrimination in the Workplace, a webinar describing recent developments in gender identity discrimination and measures employers can take to limit their liability to claims of this nature.  The discussion will also cover proper terminology, management and employee tools to create a culture of inclusion, and gender identity resources available to both employers and employees.
 
To register for the webinar, please visit, www.fordharrison.com/9234 and to ensure that you are on FordHarrison's mailing list for future events visit the subscription page of our website at www.fordharrison.com/subscribe.

On March 21 the Southeast Region of the Anti-Defamation League held its Centennial Anniversary Jurisprudence Luncheon in Atlanta.  FordHarrison was one of the luncheon sponsors, and a number of firm attorneys and clients attended.  ADL honored Teri Plummer McClure, a former FordHarrison associate, and currently the Senior Vice President of Legal Compliance, Audit & Public Affairs, and General Counsel of United Parcel Service.  Teri received the Elbert P. Tuttle Jurisprudence Award.  Teri specifically requested that Lash Harrison, firm managing partner, present the award to her. 

In 1998 ADL established the Tuttle Award to recognize individuals in the legal community who best exemplify Judge Tuttle and ADL's steadfast mission to secure justice and fair treatment for all people.  This year's luncheon marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of ADL. 

FordHarrison attendees at the luncheon included Bennet Alsher, Lash and Paula Harrison, Raanon Gal, Herb Gerson, Monica Parker, Chad Shultz, Dawn Siler-Nixon, and Rick Warren.  Client attendees were Patty Butler, Assistant General Counsel of Turner Broadcasting System;  Craig Prusher, General Counsel of Cajun Operating Company; and Michael Hertz of United Distributors.  Bennet served as a co-chair of the ADL Jurisprudence Luncheon Committee.

April 24, 2013 - FordHarrison attorneys Dawn Siler-Nixon, Brian Cunningham, Aisha Sanchez, Vista Lyons, and Luis Santos represented the firm at the 18th Annual National Employment Law Council (NELC) Conference in Houston, Texas.  The NELC is an organization primarily composed of minority outside and in-house attorneys throughout the United States and abroad who represent private and public sector employers in all aspects of labor and employment matters.  Learn more at www.nelc-law.org.

April 27, 2013 - FordHarrison attorneys Lilia Bell, Marc Esposito, Dannie Fogleman, Ellen Ham, Tom Kassin, and Blake Martin represented the firm at the 3rd Annual Indiana Children's Wish Fund ‘Pulling for Wishes' Airplane Pull sponsored by Republic Airways Holdings.  Indiana Children's Wish Fund is a single-entity statewide wish-granting organization, that grants wishes to Indiana children, ages 3-18, who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening or terminal illness.  In addition to the firm's gold sponsorship, staff and attorneys raised $2,250 from personal contributions.

April 11, 2013 - FordHarrison attorneys Tom Garwood, Tracey Jaensch, Aisha Sanchez, Dawn Siler-Nixon, Lavern Wilson, and Bret Yaw represented the firm at the 2013 Florida Diversity & Leadership Conference.  Tracey Jaensch, managing partner of the Tampa office and founding member of the Florida Diversity Council introduced CNN anchor Soledad O'Brien as the Keynote Speaker during the Multicultural Leadership Awards Lucheon.

Additional 2013 Community Sponsorships

• January 2013 - YMCA of Florida 2013 Arthur "Pappy" Kennedy MLK Commemoration Prayer Breakfast, Orlando, Florida
• February 2013 - Top Hats & Tiaras Beacon Hill Preparatory Institute 2nd Annual Scholarship Ball, Dallas, Texas
• February 2013 - National LGBT Bar Association Out & Proud Corporate Counsel Award Reception, Dallas, Texas
• March 2013 - Minority Corporate Counsel Association 12th Annual CLE Expo, San Diego, California
• April 2013 - Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida Celebrate the Children 2013, Orlando, Florida
• April 2013 - Black Women Lawyers' Association Spring Scholarship Fundraiser, Chicago, Illinois
• April 2013 - University of North Florida "Play a Round Fore Scholarships" Golf Tournament, Jacksonville, Florida
• April 2013 - JASMYN Strides for Pride, Jacksonville, Florida
• April 2013 - 26th Annual George Edgecomb Bar Association Annual Scholarship Banquet, Tampa, Florida
• May 2013 - Moffitt Cancer Center 2013 Magnolia Ball, Tampa, Florida
• September 2013 - Corporate Counsel Women of Color National Conference, Washington, DC

This award is given to a FordHarrison office, group or individual who has distinguished themselves through their outstanding commitment to promoting diversity, understanding, inclusion and awareness. The recipient has actively worked to reduce obstacles that prevent an open dialogue regarding diversity and inclusion, through their personal involvement, activities and actions, both within the firm and in their surrounding community. Through this award recipient's actions, bridges have been built that will advance the infrastructure of diversity and inclusion throughout FordHarrison.

Congratulations to the Los Angeles office of FordHarrison for winning the sixth FH Spirit of Inclusion Award!  Over the past year, the attorneys and staff in the Los Angeles office have demonstrated the firm's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.  We'd like to mention just a few of the many diversity activities our office members are involved in below:

• Suzette Kendricks, Receptionist, currently sits on the board of the Rose Breast Cancer Society in Beverly Hills, California.  The Rose Breast Cancer Society provides cancer wellness, education and entertainment to help raise money to find a cure for cancer.  The Society holds an annual Rose Variety Arts show that funds outreach activities which include discount certificates to receive Infrared Thermography, a quick, painless, FDA approved, life saving breast cancer screening method.
• Oscar Alvarez, Information Systems Specialist, volunteers for a non-profit organization called the Los Angeles Bicycle Coalition. The Los Angeles Bicyle Coalition helps promote using bicycles instead of cars to help the environment.  The Coalition works with the County of Los Angles to help raise money and identify areas that could use bike lanes and create a safer area to commute on a bike.
• Michelle Abidoye, Counsel, serves on the Board for the California Women Lawyers (please see her article below).
• Mary Garner, Legal Assistant, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity of Greater LA, participating in a Lynwood, CA build in 2012. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles builds and renovates homes with a goal of eliminating substandard housing by making decent, affordable housing a matter of conscience and action in our communities.
• Jonathan Martis, File Clerk, volunteers at the LA Food Bank creating food packages for low income families.

Author: Michelle Abiodye

As a board member of California Women Lawyers ("CWL"), I was delighted to welcome House Democratic Leader and the first female speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, as our keynote speaker at CWL's annual conference held on May 4 in San Francisco.  Leader Pelosi is considered by many to be the most powerful woman in the U.S. government and serves as an important role model.  The theme for CWL's conference was "Lifting Voices, Launching Leaders" which included panel discussions on "The Progress of Fairness for Women and Women of Color In the California Courts," "Women Lawyers Leading in ADR," and "Political Aspirations:  Elected Officials Share Insights Into Successful Campaigns."  We were also excited to have Barbara Russell, Associate General Counsel for Virgin Airlines, on our panel discussion for in-house counsel on "Finding Your Path To Leadership."

My participation as the District 7 Governor for CWL has been personally rewarding because I enjoy promoting the advancement of women in the legal profession.  CWL is the only statewide bar association dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in the profession of law.  CWL was founded in 1974 as a commitment to the advancement of women, to universal equal rights, and to the elimination of unfair bias.  The organization has represented the interests of more than 30,000 women in all facets of the legal profession.