June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month. As this month of celebration comes to a close, it is important to reflect on the origins of Pride and how law firms can best support the movement. Pride began as a protest with the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, a reaction against feeling rejected by society. Throughout the years, the community has fought for societal acceptance, which has often played out as a struggle in the courts. From protesting for an adequate response to the AIDS crisis, to securing marriage equality and gender-affirming care, LGBTQ+ people and allies have done much to advance the rights of all citizens. The legal community has been an important piece of this decades-long Pride celebration.
Flaster Greenberg has long been a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, and believes this support is vital to our long-term success. From ensuring queer representation throughout the firm to supporting events in the community, we are proud to be a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.
Supporting the LGBTQ+ community starts with providing opportunity for LGBTQ+ attorneys. At Flaster, we are proud to create a welcoming environment for our attorneys to live their authentic lives. A number of our attorneys identify as LGBTQ+, and bring an important perspective to the firm’s leadership and business decisions. Not only are we excited to support our LGBTQ+ colleagues in their professional development, but we are also thrilled that a group of shareholders and associates are attending the Lavender Law conference in August. Flaster remains committed to opening doors for attorneys from all walks of life, including queer attorneys.
Flaster has also been a supporter of the rich network of LGBTQ+ businesses and professional groups that exist in the Philadelphia area. Recently, Flaster sponsored the LGBTQ+ Allies in Privacy After-Party, an event for privacy professionals. Additionally, Flaster has supported its LGBTQ+ clients to achieve their goals and protect their interests. Notably, our patent group helped a queer-owned bar, The Cauldron, secure several patents for their mixology technology.
As June comes to an end, we must remember that Pride is not confined to a single month. Pride is a constant commitment to supporting the queer community, and Flaster Greenberg remains steadfast in celebrating Pride all year long!
AttorneyBen Chalfin is a patent attorney in Flaster Greenberg’s Intellectual Property Department and Patent Practice Group. He focuses his developing practice on patent prosecution in the electrical, computer, life sciences, and ...
ShareholderMariel J. Giletto is a shareholder in Flaster Greenberg’s Business & Corporate Department and chair of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Acting as outside counsel and trusted advisor for her clients for more than 15 ...