Washington, DC (March 2, 2020) – Venable LLP is pleased to announce that Jennifer J. Bruton, a partner in its Real Estate practice group and administrative partner of the firm's Washington, DC office, will succeed Stephanie L. DeLong as chair of the firm's women's initiative known as Women Attorneys at Venable (WAVe). WAVe is a diverse group of women attorneys and firm professionals whose mission is to improve the rate of retention, promotion, and advancement of women attorneys within the firm, and to increase the number and strength of women attorney applicants.
"Venable is incredibly proud of WAVe's achievements and all the women attorneys at the firm who drive its mission, Stephanie and Jen in particular. In addition to exemplifying professional excellence in the legal community, their dedication to fostering the promotion of women has had an enduring impact on Venable's firmwide commitment to recruit, develop, and promote highly skilled professionals from a wide range of backgrounds," said Stuart P. Ingis, chairman of Venable.
"Since its inception, WAVe has sought to advance the economic empowerment of women within the firm. Jen's contribution to this mission as a well-respected attorney, mentor, and member of WAVe's steering committee has been invaluable. We are fortunate to have a leader of her caliber as our next chair," said Ms. DeLong, chair of the firm's Real Estate Finance practice group, member of the firm's board, and cofounder of WAVe.
Ms. Bruton represents clients in all aspects of sophisticated commercial real estate finance, acquisition, disposition, development, and leasing projects in multiple asset categories, including residential and commercial developments, office buildings, retail and shopping centers, and multifamily housing.
Commenting on her new role, Ms. Bruton said, "I am humbled by the opportunity to follow in Stephanie's footsteps. Under her leadership, WAVe has had a quantifiable impact on the firm's culture and practices at large. Effecting change in a law firm setting is rarely easy, and there is still significant progress to be made. I look forward to guiding this program into the next phase of its life as we continue to promote the advancement of women throughout the legal industry."
WAVe members are united by the common conviction that a woman's professional success depends on her ability to create and grow a strong, sustainable practice that contributes to the economic success of her firm. WAVe supports this mission by facilitating events that bolster business development networking, education, and professional development, both within and outside the firm. The initiative is fully supported by firm management who work closely with WAVe's members to advance its objectives.
###
Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and other individuals. With more than 850 professionals across the country, including California, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients' objectives in the U.S. and around the globe. Venable, which is celebrating its 120-year anniversary, advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines. For more information, please visit Venable.com.