Janea J. Hawkins of Jackson Lewis Shortlisted for Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Award

RESTON, VA (September 24, 2020) Jackson Lewis P.C., one of the country’s preeminent workplace law firms, is pleased to announce Janea J. Hawkins has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards in the “Future Leader” category. The award celebrates the fantastic achievements of firms and individuals who are furthering the advancement of diversity and inclusion. The Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards were created by the publisher of the Chambers and Partners legal directories to celebrate in-house and private practice trailblazers who are actively furthering the advancement of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

“As an Associate in our Washington, D.C. Region office, Janea has already made her mark as a sharp legal counselor and steadfast advocate for diversity,” said Michael H. Neifach, Office Managing Principal. “She has earned the confidence and trust of many distinguished business and community leaders who share her commitment to diversity and inclusion. Her recognition by Chambers is well-deserved.”

Ms. Hawkins is an Associate in the firm’s Washington, D.C. Region office. She has both government and private practice experience representing government agencies and private employers in a wide array of employment litigation. Ms. Hawkins regularly defends management in federal and state courts; administrative claims of harassment; retaliation and discrimination claims on the basis of age, race, sex, and disability; wrongful discharge and breach of contract issues; and covenant-not-to-compete disputes. She has also represented employers in Department of Labor audits and Office Safety and Health Administration investigations. She regularly counsels clients in best employment practices, affirmative action policies and compliance; and frequently conducts internal investigations into allegations of employee misconduct, including sexual harassment. As a member of Jackson Lewis’s Workplace Training Practice Group, Ms. Hawkins also frequently conducts training on a variety of employment topics including unconscious bias, discrimination, conducting effective internal investigations and best management practices.

Ms. Hawkins was shortlisted by Chambers due to her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the legal field. Ms. Hawkins serves as the National Mentoring Co-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP), a program that places law students in internships with judges and courts across the country. The goal of JIOP is to provide opportunities to students who are members of groups that are historically underrepresented in the legal field, including racial and ethnic minorities, students with disabilities, students who are economically disadvantaged, LGBT students, and women. 

“I am both honored and humbled to be shortlisted for such a distinguished award,” said Ms. Hawkins. “Furthering the advancement of diversity and inclusion is one of my greatest passions, and I view this recognition as a call to action to continue in the good fight of diversifying the legal profession and creating opportunities for those from underrepresented backgrounds.”

In addition to her leadership role with JIOP, Ms. Hawkins regularly represents the firm in recruiting efforts focusing on D&I. Since joining Jackson Lewis, Ms. Hawkins has represented the firm at various recruitment events at Howard University School of Law’s On-Campus Interviewing program, which invites employers to interview Howard Law students for potential summer employment. Ms. Hawkins also is a founding member of the Washington, D.C. Region Office’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, which promotes its office-wide D&I and pro bono efforts.

Ms. Hawkins is also involved in D&I efforts at her alma mater, Loyola University Chicago School of Law as a member of the Dean’s Diversity Council, where she and the Council make recommendations to the Dean of the School of Law about how to maintain diversity in the law school community while promoting Loyola’s commitment to diversity in the legal profession. Most recently, Ms. Hawkins was appointed to serve as the Chair of the D.C. Leadership Circle, a group of diverse D.C.-based alumni of the law school that serve as mentors and resources for Loyola Chicago students participating in the D.C. externship program, a program that has demonstrably increased opportunities for law students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Ms. Hawkins continues to be active in minority bar associations, including the National Bar Association, Women Lawyers Division’s Greater Washington Area Chapter (GWAC). GWAC is an organization of African American women attorneys dedicated to the professional development of its members. The organization’s goal is to promote the presence of women in the legal profession and aid women in their legal educations and careers. Ms. Hawkins has been an active member of GWAC for many years and has held several leadership positions.

Prior to joining Jackson Lewis, Ms. Hawkins worked with a small Washington, D.C.-based employment litigation firm and as an Assistant Attorney General at the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia Personnel and Labor Relations Section, where she served as lead counsel in a range of employment matters before various administrative agencies and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

Ms. Hawkins earned her J.D. from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and her B.A. and B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

Jackson Lewis’ Washington, D.C. Region office can be reached at (703) 483-8300.

About Jackson Lewis 
Focused on labor and employment law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.’s 950+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged, stable and diverse, and share our clients' goals to emphasize inclusivity and respect for the contribution of every employee. 
 
Additional information about the firm can be found at jacksonlewis.com. 

For more information, please contact:
Lara Hamm, Director of Communications and Public Relations
T: (267) 319-7803 / E: Lara.Hamm@jacksonlewis.com

###

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Jackson Lewis P.C. offices that are responsible for the content of this advertisement include New York, NY; Hartford, CT; New Orleans, LA; and Orlando, FL. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.