New York, December 9, 2013 – At its annual holiday luncheon held December 3, the Association of Real Estate Women (“AREW”), one of the most prominent professional organizations in the New York real estate industry and active since 1978, bestowed a special award to Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP in recognition of the firm’s long-standing support of women in real estate.
The honor expresses gratitude to Kramer Levin for its many years of supporting AREW programs that foster professional development of women in all facets of the New York real estate industry, as well as the organization’s charitable outreaches such as Women In Need, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that provides safe housing, critical services and programs for homeless women and children so that they can regain their independence.
Reflecting on receiving the award on behalf of the firm, Partner and Co-Chair of Kramer Levin’s Land Use practice Michael Sillerman said, “Kramer Levin is proud of a tradition we have established that supports diversity in all aspects of our practice, and that extends to supporting women in their pursuit of real estate careers within our firm and throughout the entire industry. It has been a privilege to work with AREW over many years and to be part of the extraordinary educational and networking opportunities it has created, as well as charitable efforts that promote the advancement of underprivileged women and children in this city. We are, therefore, extremely honored to be receiving this award from AREW.”
Kramer Levin maintains both a Diversity and Women’s Initiative Committee, proactive groups charged with promoting the education and advancement of minorities and women within the firm, the legal profession in general, and in society at large. The Committees are comprised of partners, associates and senior administrative staff, and encourage free and open dialogue on diversity issues, oversee the recruitment and assimilation of law students and laterals, and foster the ongoing development of minority and women lawyers.