Chairman, McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Ira Coleman became Chairman of McDermott Will & Emery in 2017. He previously led the firm’s Corporate & Transactional Practice Group and served as Managing Partner of the firm's Miami office. Under Ira’s leadership, the firm adopted the unofficial mantra of #AlwaysBetter, representing the firm’s commitment to constant improvement. In an interview, Ira also shared that one of the firm's core tenets is “fostering a place where people can really be their authentic selves.”
McDermott Will & Emery’s diversity efforts include scholarships for minority law students, mentoring, and professional development programs. The firm has been recognized by Minority Law Journal, Equality Illinois, and Immigration Equality, especially for its inclusiveness of LGBT lawyers.
Joined LCLD 2009
Highlights of LCLD Participation
Fellows Program
Fellows nominated:
2023: Arianne Plasencia; 2022: Dana Dombey; 2021: Larry Guess; 2020: Mandy Kim; 2019: Diego Gomez-Cornejo; 2018: Amol Parikh; 2016: Christopher L. May; 2015: Monica Neuman; 2014: Effie D. Silva; 2013: James M. Commons; 2012: David O. Crump; 2011: Obiamaka P. Madubuko
Pathfinder Program
Pathfinders selected:
2023: Marshall Jackson, Li Wang, Kierstin Fowler; 2022: Marjorie Soto Garcia, Elle Hayes; 2021: Matthew Chen
1L LCLD Scholars Program
Scholars hosted:
2022: Arielle Ahrendts, Samantha Thompson, Arianna Swazer; 2021: Elle Infante, Chabely Jorge Urena; 2020: Gerti Wilson; 2019: Kristen Dupard; 2018: Daniel Imahiyerobo; 2017: Wendy Li
Success in Law School Mentoring Program
Mentors provided: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2016, 2014
Attendance
Annual Meeting (2014)
Member: Ira Coleman
Diversity Professionals: Jeanine Goodson, Edith Gondwe, Michael Chu
