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Baker Botts Appoints Heather Souder Choi as First Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Renewing Commitment to Advancing Equity and Inclusion

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WASHINGTON, D.C, March 1, 2022 – Baker Botts L.L.P., a leading energy, technology and life sciences law firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Washington, D.C. partner Heather Souder Choi as the firm’s first Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, effective today. Choi will also chair the Baker Botts Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Choi will have responsibility for all aspects of the firm’s equity and inclusion strategy globally. In her role, she will create the vision and leadership to effectively integrate inclusion into the work of Baker Botts, working closely with the firm’s executive leadership to shape and implement strategy to drive and accelerate institutional diversity and inclusion priorities. Further, Choi will collaborate with senior leaders to integrate diversity best practices, with a focus on shaping programs around recruitment, retention, promotion and client engagement.

“We are excited to welcome Heather into this new role,” said John Martin, Managing Partner of Baker Botts. “She has spent her entire career at the firm and is a passionate advocate for change, a trusted collaborator and an accomplished lawyer. The firm depends on each partner to be intentional and purposeful in diversity and inclusion by individually taking ownership and responsibility for promoting our diverse lawyers in client workstreams and client relationships. Heather’s unique combination of world-class leadership, and deep understanding of our clients and their priorities will help us make measurable progress towards this global imperative for Baker Botts – taking our diversity and inclusion strategy and commitment to the next level in all aspects of our work.”

A graduate of Harvard Law School, Choi has spent her entire 15-year legal career with Baker Botts. She is a leading corporate investigations and competition partner and represents corporations and individuals in complex criminal and civil enforcement matters before the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission and other federal and state enforcement agencies. She has also been at the heart of many of Baker Botts’ diversity and inclusion initiatives.

“I am honored to have been appointed and entrusted to take on this critical role during a time when the importance of creating a more equitable and inclusive workforce is paramount. I wholeheartedly believe that where we work should reflect the world around us, and I am committed to advancing this principle at Baker Botts,” said Choi. “I look forward to partnering with firm leadership to promote a culture and environment where all leaders can thrive, while reaffirming the value of inclusivity across the firm. Diversity weaves valuable perspectives, experiences and talents throughout the firm, enabling us to be even more creative, effective and successful for our clients.”

Baker Botts has consistently ranked among the Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity by Multicultural Law Magazine. In addition, the firm has received high marks, including a perfect score of 100, on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index, which ranks organizations for policies, practices and benefits for LGBTQ employees.

Baker Botts has been recognized by Diversity Lab as Mansfield “Certified Plus” for three years in a row. The “Certified Plus” status signifies that the firm not only considers at least 30% women, people of color, LGBTQ and disabled lawyers for leadership positions and in lateral recruiting, but also achieves representation of at least 30% women and other diverse lawyers in several key areas – including significant leadership roles, inclusion in formal pitches, lateral recruitment, equity partner promotions and representation, and at least 30% diverse lawyers doing the actual work on successful pitches.

Baker Botts has also pledged to integrate diversity and inclusion into the partner compensation evaluation process. The commitment is part of Diversity Lab's "Do Something Hard" initiative.

ABOUT BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
Baker Botts is an international law firm whose lawyers practice throughout a network of offices around the globe. Based on our experience and knowledge of our clients' industries, we are recognized as a leading firm in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors. Since 1840, we have provided creative and effective legal solutions for our clients while demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit bakerbotts.com.

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