Blank Rome LLP was pleased to present partner Cheryl S. Chang with the 2024 Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones Diversity and Inclusion Award and partner Sheila G. Riesel with the 2024 Bonnie Glantz Fatell Women’s Advocacy and Leadership Award, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to advancing diversity and inclusion (“D&I”) at Blank Rome, across the legal industry, and in our communities.
“The firm’s prestigious D&I awards celebrate the trailblazers at Blank Rome who are diligently advancing our D&I goals. The awarded individuals spearhead innovative initiatives and programs that foster an inclusive and high-performing culture. We are proud to honor Cheryl and Sheila for their exceptional dedication to leading, supporting, and promoting D&I at Blank Rome, within their communities, and across the legal industry,” said Reham Fared, Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
Cheryl S. Chang • Partner; Vice Chair of the Financial Institutions Litigation and Regulatory Compliance (“FILARC”) group; Co-Chair of the Los Angeles office; Co-Chair of BR United
The 2024 Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones Diversity and Inclusion Award Recipient
Established in 2013, the Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones Diversity and Inclusion Award is presented annually to a Blank Rome attorney or business professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting D&I within the firm. The award is named in honor of Nathaniel R. Jones, a trailblazing civil rights leader, activist, and former judge who joined Blank Rome in 2002 and served as the firm’s first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
“I am deeply honored to accept this special award,” said Cheryl. “Working with Judge Nathaniel R. Jones in Blank Rome’s BR United affinity group was a privilege. His dedication to improving our country and paving the way for future generations of lawyers has inspired me and many colleagues to embody the values of diversity and inclusion every day. His legacy is one I am incredibly proud to continue.”
Cheryl is instrumental in shaping and executing the D&I strategy at Blank Rome and fostering an inclusive environment. Cheryl has served as co-chair of BR United—our multicultural affinity group for attorneys of color that focuses on action and equitable results when it comes to advocating for positive change—since she was an associate. A decade later, and Cheryl continues to lead BR United and is a member of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion and Pro Bono Committees. She has planned diversity summits, created additional affinity groups, and served as a mentor to countless attorneys by launching various mentorship, coaching, and leadership development programs.
Outside the firm, Cheryl serves on the Taiwanese American Lawyers’ Association Board of Directors, the Asian Pacific American Legal Center Advisory Board, and is a Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Fellow.
Cheryl has earned numerous D&I awards and recognitions. She was honored in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Women of Influence: Attorneys” and “Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys.” Additionally, she was named a “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Visionary” by Los Angeles Times B2B Publishing, the “Most Influential Minority Attorney" by the Los Angeles Business Journal, and a “Woman of Promise” by the Comerica Bank Women’s Business Awards Program.
Sheila G. Riesel • Partner, Matrimonial & Family Law
Bonnie Glantz Fatell 2024 Women’s Advocacy and Leadership Award Recipient
The Bonnie Glantz Fatell Women’s Advocacy and Leadership Award is presented annually by Blank Rome’s women’s affinity group – BR Women – in recognition of an attorney or business professional who has contributed significantly to women’s advocacy and leadership, both at the firm and in their community. The award is named in honor of Blank Rome’s late colleague, Bonnie Glantz Fatell, and is a lasting tribute to her legacy and contributions to Blank Rome and the countless lives she touched during her nearly 35 years with the firm.
“It is an honor and a true pleasure to receive the Bonnie Glantz Fatell Award,” said Sheila. “I was fortunate to know Bonnie as a good friend. She was an outstanding lawyer, distinguished in her field, a phenomenal wife, a wonderful mother, and a caring friend and mentor. I am deeply honored to accept this award in her memory.”
A truly deserving recipient of this distinguished award, Sheila has spent her career advocating for and supporting the advancement of women and increased diversity in the legal industry. Throughout her unparalleled career, Sheila has been a formidable force and inspiration for women, not just through her professional achievements but also by being an incredible role model for both lawyers and business professionals alike. She is a tremendous advocate for women within Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law group, the firm overall, and the greater professional community. She has also endowed a Legal Internship Fund at her alma mater, Vasser, to support students with internships in law and law-related fields.
Sheila was recently recognized in Corporate Counsel's Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards, which honor general counsel, in-house leaders, and law firm partners who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the empowerment of women in law. Sheila was one of five women recognized in the "Lifetime Achievement" category within the "Law Firm Awards" section. Sheila is also routinely recognized by top publications for her work, including Best Lawyers in America©, Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, and Worth Magazine.
Sheila practices in all aspects of matrimonial law. She has extensive appellate and trial experience, having argued three times in the U.S. Supreme Court and more than 60 times in both federal and state appellate courts. Additionally, Sheila has been engaged in criminal defense and professional disciplinary law since leaving the Legal Aid Society in 1977.
