News & Events

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP announced on September 6 the appointment of Natalia Martin as its Director of Diversity, a newly created role at the Firm. The creation of this position and Ms. Martin's appointment are an extension of the Firm's longstanding commitment to promoting diversity in the legal profession.

Ms. Martin was previously Director of Legal Personnel and Professional Development at Simpson Thacher. Her appointment augments the Firm’s recent diversity initiatives, which include the formation of a Women's Committee, the strengthening of the Diversity Committee, support for affinity groups, an increase in paid maternity leave benefits, a revised flexible work arrangements policy, and additional back-up childcare options for attorneys.

"We view diversity as one of our greatest strengths," said Pete Ruegger, Chairman of the Firm's Executive Committee. "Creating and supporting an environment that encourages diversity, enhances retention and allows our attorneys to thrive is integral to the long-term vitality of our Firm. We are privileged to look to Natalia’s continued leadership in our diversity efforts."

Ms. Martin's personal and professional commitment to promoting diversity has been widely recognized. She is the recipient of the Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association's Achievement Award, the 2007 Flor de Maga award from the Puerto Rican Bar Association Women's Committee, and the Yale Law School Class of 2007 Award from the Latino Law Students' Association.

She is a 1982 graduate of Harvard College and a 1985 graduate of Yale Law School. She was an Associate at Simpson Thacher before serving first as an Assistant Dean and then as an Associate Dean at Yale Law School from 1991 to 2005. She will serve on the Committee to Enhance Diversity in the Legal Profession of the New York City Bar Association starting in September 2007.