Page 8 - The American Lawyer Trailblazers - South 2022

North Carolina

Sarah Dohoney Byrne

Moore & Van Allen

What was the genesis of the idea/path that made you a trailblazer?
The powerful voices of human trafficking survivors in describing the barriers they face in accessing justice and
financial services inspired the unique trail that Moore & Van Allen has blazed. Our response was strengthened by
local and national collaborations with large financial institutions, agencies, and public and private stakeholders.
At every turn and with every survivor-client, we started from a place of “yes”—whether it is supporting someone
in need outside of our community or practice area, or meeting a non-legal need such as credit repair or banking
services, we started with “yes.” That determination was contagious and led to coordination with our financial sec-
tor partners to meet more survivor needs than ever imagined.
What sort of change has resulted from the concept?
No longer should a trafficking survivor have to be burdened by an unjust criminal record, unprotected legal rights,
coerced debt, bad credit history, and unsafe methods to protect their money. And no longer do financial insti-
tutions have to be unsure about how best to meet their obligations to address human trafficking and provide
remedies to survivors.
What bearing will this have on the future?
My hope is that, in the future, comprehensive support of survivors in accessing free legal representation and
financial services is no longer considered trailblazing—that it is a globally recognized and afforded response to
every human trafficking survivor.

Kimberly Bullock Gatling

Fox Rothschild

What was the genesis of the idea/path that has made you a trailblazer?
To solve complex problems, I believe in the power of diversity: Diversity of viewpoints. Diversity of experiences.
And the diversity of people.
We are all better if we work together.
But I also understand as a Black woman attorney just how hard it can be for some people – particularly people of
color – to succeed. That is why I strive every day to make sure more people like me can more easily follow in my
footsteps.
What sort of change has resulted from the concept?
Since becoming Fox Rothschild’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer in 2020, I’ve tried to institute positive change
while also meeting people where they are.
Among my successes: I helped implement and grow a pro bono initiative where attorneys assist Black-owned
businesses with matters of formation and corporate governance. Our attorneys know firsthand how difficult it can
be for an entrepreneur to set up, so we do whatever we can to help ensure a successful launch.
Our attorneys also work with the Innocence Project, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and other
groups to address issues of inequity in criminal justice and housing.

What bearing will this have on the future?
The theoretical endgame for me is a world where society values differences and everyone is provided a fair shot at
success. But we are a long way from that point – particularly in Big Law – so for now I just strive to move the ball
forward any way I can.
Baby steps are better than no steps. It’s just going to take time.

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