Houston Co-Managing Partner Laura De Santos was included in the inaugural Lawyers of Color Wonderful Women list, which recognizes dynamic women attorneys working in law firms, companies, and government agencies across the U.S. who show promise in their careers and demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing diversity in the legal profession. The full 2023 Hot List issue, which features this list, will be available later this year.
The honorees were chosen by a selection committee, including the editorial staff, fellows, and advisers, who spent months reviewing nominations and researching legal publications in order to identify promising candidates. The committee accepted nominations from mentors, peers, and colleagues. The committee also made editorial picks based on research of attorneys who had noteworthy accomplishments, giving special attention to candidates who were active in diversity pipeline initiatives.
De Santos is Co-Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee, which focuses on creating and advancing an inclusive workplace through active initiatives aimed at recruiting, mentoring, retaining and promoting diverse talent. In addition to her work on the Diversity Committee, De Santos has a dynamic employment law practice, where she has extensive experience representing corporate clients in state and federal courts in Texas and throughout the United States. She defends employers in arbitration and administrative proceedings, as well as all forms of alternative dispute resolution, including mediations. She also represents employers on matters involving discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, and retaliation brought under various state and federal statutes. She has tried numerous cases to successful verdict and regularly counsels employers on a variety of employment issues, including hiring practices, workplace investigations, disciplinary matters, leave and accommodation requests, terminations, and compliance with wage and hour laws.
In the three decades since Gordon & Rees established its Diversity Committee, the firm has made impressive gains in its efforts to form a rich and diverse community and as a result has an energetic mix of talented and experienced professionals working together in a progressive, creative, and inclusive environment. More information about the firm’s Leadership Equality and Diversity ("LEAD") Program, Diversity Committee, Women’s Initiative, and Affinity Groups, can be found here.
To view the Wonderful Women list, please click here.