An active proponent of diversity in the legal profession for more than 20 years, Jerry is the former president of the National Attorney of Color Network, an organization that serves as a resource for legal employers seeking to establish a diverse workforce. Prior to that, he was a corporate partner in the New York office of an international law firm, where he practiced in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and sports and entertainment. He is a frequent speaker and panelist on law firm DEI matters, a member of the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals and the author of “An Advocate of Their Own,” an article published in Legal Times that identifies critical success factors for full-time DEI professionals in law firms; “Best Practices for Integrating Diverse and Women Attorneys,” an article published in the New York Law Journal that addressed the primary factors impacting the career trajectory of diverse lawyers in the “big law” environment, including unconscious bias, micro-inequities and social isolation; and “IN A TIME OF RECKONING ON RACISM, SILENCE IS NO LONGER AN OPTION,” an article published by the American Lawyer that reflects on the debilitating effects of anti-Black racism and the need for everyone to come together for change.
Jerry is a recognized expert and thought leader on DEI matters, particularly in the legal profession. The University of Virginia School of Law, Profiles in Diversity Journal, Lawyers of Color.Org, The National Law Journal and the National Bar Association, among others, have awarded him with their highest honor for his contributions to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in the legal profession, as a whole. Most recently, Profiles in Diversity Journal awarded Jerry the Black Leadership Award in 2023. The award recognizes senior leaders, who through their advocacy, perseverance, legacy, or professional achievement have triumphed over racism and bias to become Black leaders. In 2021, the New York Law Journal recognized Jerry as a “Distinguished Leader.” The award recognizes attorneys in leadership roles who achieved impressive results in the past year, while demonstrating clear leadership skills that lead to positive outcomes. In addition, City and State, a leading publication for the public sector, included Jerry in its list of the 2019 Responsible 100. This award honors New York's most outstanding executives, thought leaders, visionaries and influencers who are setting new standards of excellence, dedication and leadership in improving their communities and making transformative change.
