Washington Lawyer - July/August 2021 - 45

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
redistricting cases before the U.S. Supreme
Court, preventing racial gerrymandering in
North Carolina and Virginia.
" Being a Black lawyer, being a Black woman
lawyer, I think it's important for [many] of these
organizations to hire legal counsel that looks
like them, that can represent them . . . I really do
think that lawyers represent the organizations
that they counsel, " she says. " So I think that it's
important for organizations that value diversity,
that are focused on increasing diversity in
politics, to have a lawyer who shares that
passion and that interest and who reflects
those values. That's a big part of the practice
that I'm focused on building. "
Meeting this need will require change, particularly
within the legal field itself. Branch says that
large numbers of diverse attorneys can be
found in government and the nonprofit sector,
but law firms and corporations have struggled
to attract and retain top diverse legal talent.
Changing the status quo will require a concerted
effort, Branch says.
Branch cites the Coca-Cola Company's proposal
in January to penalize outside counsel whose
firms fail to meet diversity requirements.
Although the initiative appears to have been
put on hold, Branch believes it was a step in the
right direction.
" Corporations and firms like my own are really
focused on this issue, " Branch says. " They've
built it into their strategic plans and values. You
can't predict the future, but it certainly seems
that the additional scrutiny and attention on
the issue of diversity should help. And I know
that I'm trying to do my part because I think it's
important for the profession and for our clients. "
In the coming months, IVYPAC will begin
preparations for the 2022 congressional
midterm elections and work on voter registration
and other associated issues. " Obviously
the midterms will be very, very important, "
Branch says. One issue is the lack of any Black
women serving on the U.S. Senate since
Kamala Harris's ascension to the vice presidency.
IVYPAC and Branch are determined
to change that.
The optimism and enthusiasm expressed by
Branch as an undergraduate appear undiminished
by the passage of time. Her passion for
social justice, determination to make change,
and belief in the ability of the powerless to
prevail continue to chart her course.
Reflecting on her career trajectory so far,
Branch says she could not have done better
if she had clear plans at the outset. " I feel
very fortunate to be in the position I'm in
now, where I get to do work that I really care
about. "
Do you know a D.C. Bar member who has
done outstanding work in their area of
practice? We are interested in hearing stories
about the careers and personal journeys of
our diverse members around the country
and the world. Pitch us a profile story at
editorial@dcbar.org.
The definitive resource for attorneys
practicing law in the District of Columbia.
Visit www.dcbar.org/dcpm to order your copy today.
JULY/AUGUST 2021
* WASHINGTON LAWYER 45
http://www.dcbar.org/dcpm
Washington Lawyer - July/August 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Washington Lawyer - July/August 2021
