Lisa N. Brown Joins as Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Renée L. Davis Assumes Chief Administrative Officer Role

Porzio announced that Lisa N. Brown, Esq., joined the firm on June 28, 2021, as its new Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, following her distinguished service in a similar role in the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General.  Brown is a Certified Diversity and Inclusion professional with over eight years' experience developing and designing policies and processes that lead to equity and access for all employees. At Porzio, Brown will drive the firm's commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive legal environment by working with Managing Principal Vito A. Gagliardi, Jr. and the Workplace Diversity Committee in setting and meeting diversity recruitment and retention objectives.  Brown will assist in developing and implementing the firm's short and long-term diversity goals and strategies and executing programming and action-based initiatives to foster inclusiveness within the firm.

Brown began her legal career as a Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Newark.  She joined the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General as Deputy Attorney General in 2005, where she provided counsel to state agencies, including the Division on Children Placement and Permanency, Professional Boards and the Division on Civil Rights.  She was a long-standing member of the Diversity Council and served on the Diversity Training and Immigration Trust working groups.  In 2018, Brown took on the role of Counsel to the Attorney General for Diversity and Inclusion, assuming responsibility for the design and implementation of organization-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives, including training on implicit bias. 

Before Brown, Renée L. Davis served as the firm's first Diversity and Inclusion professional for over 13 years.  On July 1, 2021, Davis was elevated to Chief Administrative Officer, where she oversees the daily human resources operations of Porzio and its subsidiaries. Davis has been with Porzio for over 30 years and has been an active member of the firm's Workplace Diversity Committee since its inception.  In 2017, Davis was recognized by Seton Hall Law School for her contribution to the advancement of diversity in the New Jersey legal community. 

According to Gagliardi, "By adding the best and most talented people to firm leadership, we are positioned to create a culture of inclusion and increase a sense of belonging for all."

"Vito has always taken an active role in building an inclusive environment. The addition of diverse talent to firm leadership allows us to better serve our clients and our people," adds Renée.   "I look forward to working with Lisa as we continue advancing our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives."

Brown says, "I'm excited to join Porzio. Not only are they innovators when it comes to client service, but they are also leading the industry among mid-sized firms regarding attorney gender diversity.  When it comes to diversity, there is always more to do, and I'm ready to be part of the movement."