October 2023

Alumni Newsletter - Fall 2023

5 min

Giving Thanks as the Leaves Turn

As the days grow shorter and colder across most of the country, it's a good time to reflect on what we're most thankful for in 2023.

We are grateful for the Venable Foundation as it hits a major milestone—40 years of giving—and for Lindsay Meyer’s years of service leading the Foundation board as she retires.

We are celebrating our San Francisco colleagues as their office turns 10 years old, and we are so proud of the firm’s achievements in diversity and inclusion in 2023.

Read about more office happenings, pro bono activities, and our diversity initiatives below.

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Are you interested in speaking opportunities? We'd love to hear from you! Let us know if you would like to be considered as a panelist for upcoming firm events, webinars, and alumni gatherings.

 


News from Around Our Offices

Venable Foundation President Reflects on the First 40 Years

As Lindsay Meyer steps down from her role as president of the Venable Foundation board, she spoke with director Michael Bigley to discuss her tenure, contributions, and hopes for the future. In this excerpt of the interview, Lindsay was asked about Foundation accomplishments she's most proud of.

"For me, it starts and ends with the impact grants. Around 2017, we began making annual above-and-beyond contributions focused on addressing a specific area of need in the community...I think people can appreciate when they see a large and significant chunk of money go to an issue of particular focus, like homelessness last year, or like bridging the educational divide during the pandemic."

Click here to read the full Q&A with Lindsay Meyer on the Venable Foundation's 40th anniversary.

Venable Achieves Mansfield Certification Plus Through Its Ongoing Commitment to Diversity

The goal of the Mansfield Rule is to boost the representation of lawyers from historically underrepresented groups in leadership roles. The Plus recognition means that Venable has at least 30 percent diverse lawyer representation in a notable number of its current leadership roles.

Over the past decade, the office has seen substantial growth and has expanded from the three partners who first opened the doors to the 37 talented attorneys who work there today.

Venable Observes National Hydrogen Day

Venable's attorneys and advisors are more involved than ever in counseling businesses and policymakers on the regulation of hydrogen and the development of the U.S. hydrogen economy.

Community Spotlight

Firm Honored at ABA Death Penalty Representation Project's Volunteer Recognition and Awards Program
On September 14, Venable associate Jonathan Hettleman accepted the ABA Death Penalty Representation Project's Exceptional Service Award in recognition of the firm's work vacating three convictions and the death sentence of Kenneth Lighty.
Venable Attorney-Featured Band Wins Law Rocks DC for the Fourth Time

Local band Noise in the Basement, featuring Venable attorneys Andrew Price and Stephanie DeLong, raised more than $36,000 in donations, ticket sales, and sponsorships, of which over $20,000 was donated to pro bono client Together We Bake, a DC-area nonprofit that provides job training and empowerment programs to underserved women.

Venable Paralegals Donate Their Time to Help Mass Shooting Victims and Survivors

In the aftermath of a mass casualty event, communities often set up survivors' funds to accept donations. These funds are difficult to police, and well-meaning people can easily become victims of scammers. With pro bono support from the firm's paralegals, the National Compassion Fund establishes funds that are professionally administered and ensures that 100% of donations go to the people most affected by the tragedy.

Recent Alerts

Stay updated on Venable alerts by following our LinkedIn page.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Issue Warnings Related to Use of "Online Tracking Technologies"

The agencies cautioned that companies' use of online tracking technologies may violate several Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules, as well as the FTC Act and FTC Health Breach Notification Rule.

"Yes in God's Back Yard" Legislation Is the Next Tool to Battle the Housing Crisis

California legislative proposal SB 4 would allow religious groups and private nonprofit colleges to build affordable housing on their land "by right," without requiring strict adherence to zoning standards.

Gender Equity Consideration in School-Sponsored Sports Policies
At least 23 states have passed laws requiring that membership in certain K-12 and college sports teams be determined strictly by students' biological sex, effectively banning transgender students from participating on sports teams that correspond with their gender identity.

Upcoming and Recent Events

October 24, 26, 31: Life Sciences Webinar Series

This month-long series explores the intricacies and latest developments that shape the life sciences industry. Join us as our seasoned attorneys across various practices share insights and provide a framework for navigating the relevant legal landscape.

September 28: Talking About Current Trends in Healthcare M&A

Panelists, including Ari J. Markenson, partner in the Healthcare and Corporate practices, shared insights into the ups and downs of the healthcare M&A landscape, including where there is activity, where there isn't, and why.

September 12: A Virtual Chat on the Federal Communications Commission and Artificial Intelligence

Laura Stefani, a partner in Venable's Telecommunications Practice, and Heather West, senior director of Venable's Cybersecurity Services Group, explored the likely implications of new forms of AI for FCC policy and rules.

 

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