Page 7 - The American Lawyer Trailblazers - South 2022

Maryland/Mississippi

Kenneth L. Thompson

Venable

What was the genesis of the idea/path that has made you a trailblazer?
I am a lifelong Baltimore resident, and I love this City. Upon graduating from law school, I was fortunate to join the
firm of one of my heroes, George L. Russell Jr. George had developed a fabulous reputation as a fine trial lawyer. In
addition, he was a trailblazer in his own right, becoming the first African American to be appointed to the Supreme
Bench of Baltimore City (now the Circuit Court for Baltimore City); the first African American to serve as the City
solicitor for Baltimore; and the first African American to serve as president of the Baltimore City Bar Association,
just to name a few firsts. He set such a fine example that it was almost second nature that I would try to follow in
his footsteps. I have been fortunate over my career to experience a number of successes. That said, perhaps the
greatest thing I learned over the many years working with George is that with success comes the obligation to give
back. It is that principle that has motivated me over the years to give of my time to help Baltimore where I can.
What sort of change has resulted from the concept?
In terms of change, it is my hope that some of the advice and counseling I have provided to City leaders has con-
tributed, in some small way, to improving the lives of everyday citizens. In my 20-plus years serving on the Judicial
Nominating Committee, I would like to think that I helped promote a process that put fair and impartial jurists
on the bench to adjudicate the disputes of all who might have a connection to Baltimore. Having worked with a
number of City leaders over many years, I again hope that my advice has been helpful, in some small way, to some
of the City’s successes.

What bearing will this have on the future?
With all of its problems, I believe that the City resides on a strong foundation. I am confident that it will weather
the stormy seas it must currently navigate, and I like to think I have contributed something of value to that effort.

LaToya C. Merritt

Phelps Dunbar

What was the genesis of the idea/path that has made you a trailblazer?
My parents always stressed the importance of representation. They challenged my brother and I to not only pur-
sue success for ourselves, but to create pathways of success for others. When I began my career, I looked for a
diverse firm that encouraged community engagement. At Phelps, my day-one mission was to make partner, use
my platform to further support community improvement, and be an example for diverse attorneys who might
not see themselves reflected at major law firms in the Deep South. I was the first African American partner of the
firm’s Jackson, Mississippi, Labor and Employment group, which I now lead. My presence signals to young, diverse
lawyers that there is room at the decision-making table for them. I truly believe that it’s difficult to be what you do
not see. Representation at all levels and in every segment of our profession matters.
What sort of change has resulted from the concept?
One of our strategic priorities is to recruit, retain and train diverse attorneys to strengthen our ranks.
We’ve seen significant progress. Our 2021 partnership class was the most diverse in Phelps’ history and among
AmLaw 200 firms. Our Fast Track program allows diverse summer associates to get exposure to some of the region’s
leading attorneys – a recent law school graduate from our inaugural 2021 class will join as an associate this fall.

What bearing will this have on the future?
To retain the best people, you must create meaningful opportunities for professional growth and an environ-
ment where employees see themselves at all levels. Any member of our business community should be able to
walk into our offices and see a reflection of their workforce. We aspire to lead the way forward in our profession
by pushing education, transparency and the unique benefits, especially for our clients, that diverse experiences
bring to the table.

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