Director, President, Richards Layton & Finger
When Doneene Keemer Damon made Partner at Richards Layton & Finger, she was the first African-American woman to do so at a major Delaware law firm; when she became President of the firm in 2019, she was once again the first African-American woman to take that role. Doneene is also an active leader with the American Bar Association, sitting on the Editorial Board of The Business Lawyer and serving as Co-Chair of the Committee on Corporate Director Diversity.
As part of LCLD's Leaders at the Front initiative, Doneene created a Leader's Pledge detailing her personal and organizational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Read Doneene's pledge here.
Doneene also believes strongly in talent development, and sees it as critical to the retention of diverse attorneys: "I think one of the reasons why our associates come to work with us and stay is because we do invest in them... I am 100% focused on professional development internally at the firm."
In addition to promoting and supporting diverse attorneys like Doneene, Richards Layton has a women's initiative that provides resources and community for female attorneys. Richards Layton was named an LCLD Top Performer in 2021 and 2022.
Joined LCLD 2020
Highlights of LCLD Participation
Fellows Program
Fellows selected:
2022: Laura Dietrich; 2021: Lori Brewington
Pathfinder Program
Pathfinders selected:
2022: Valerie Caras, Alexander Krischik; 2021: Angela Lam, Frank Sun
1L LCLD Scholars Program
Scholars hosted:
2022: Amber Blackshear, Danielle Bell, Vivian Ren, Ivy Devadas; 2021: Giordano Silvaggi, Vanessa Moody, Amanda Hurd; 2020: Quintessa Davis, Nurlan Orujlu, Ada Ohanenye
Success in Law School Mentoring Program
Mentors provided: 2021, 2020
Attendance
Annual Meeting (2020)
Leadership Summit (2021)
Member: Doneene Damon
Diversity Professional: Danielle Nowaczyk
Communications: Paul Webb
