October.15.2013
Congratulations to our employment law partner Patricia Gillette on receiving the prestigious Fay Stender Award from the California Women Lawyers Association. This annual award is bestowed upon an attorney committed to the representation of women, disadvantaged groups and unpopular causes, and whose courage, zest for life and demonstrated ability to effect change make her a role model.
Throughout her career, Ms. Gillette has been actively involved in national projects focused on the retention of women in the legal industry. In 2006, she co-founded the Opt-In Project, a nationwide initiative aimed at changing the structure of law firms with the goal of increasing the retention and advancement of women.
Ms. Gillette also served for three years as a Commissioner on the ABA Commission for Women in the Profession and currently co-chairs the San Francisco Bar Association's No Glass Ceiling Initiative. She is on the board of the National Association of Women Lawyers Foundation and is a member of the ABA's Gender Equity Task force. In addition, Ms. Gillette chairs Orrick's Women's Affinity Group and is a frequent speaker nationally on women’s issues relating to rainmaking and leadership.
"Over the course of her exemplary career, Pat has made leadership contributions not only to Orrick but also to our profession and the greater community,” said Orrick Chairman Mitch Zuklie. "We are grateful to have her as a role model and are extremely proud of all that she has accomplished."
The award was presented to Ms. Gillette at the California Women Lawyers’ 39th Annual Dinner & Silent Auction held on October 10 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. The reception was attended by Mr. Zuklie, Global Employment Law Practice Group Leader Mike Delikat and San Francisco litigation partner Barry Levin.