Women's Initiative

Anna Mirshak Burns - Atlanta- Associate

After my summer law clerk experience at Thompson Hine, I knew that there was no better place to learn as a young lawyer. Thompson Hine's dedication to providing meaningful experiences to summer law clerks, including complex assignments, invitations to practice group meetings and opportunities for client interaction, showed me what it was like to be a lawyer at the firm.

Now, as a young associate, I have seen that my initial impressions of Thompson Hine were correct. The firm believes in helping associates develop their legal skills. The lawyers here are among the best in their respective fields, and I appreciate their willingness to provide mentoring in order to help me grow as a lawyer. Thompson Hine also fosters personal growth by encouraging community involvement early in one's career. Whether they are working on pro bono cases or providing mentoring to underprivileged children, the firm supports the charitable endeavors of its lawyers. Thompson Hine has lived up to the great impressions I developed as a summer law clerk, and I look forward to continuing my career here.

Sarah C. Flannery - Cleveland- Partner

I joined Thompson Hine as a summer law clerk after my second year of law school and have happily remained since. I chose the firm and its Labor & Employment group because it was clear to me that I would be given a high level of responsibility even at junior stages in my career. Now, as a mid-level associate, I am entrusted with many responsibilities that are carried out by junior partners at other firms.

What I did not necessarily expect when joining a large firm was the opportunity for flexibility, but Thompson Hine allowed me to choose a flex arrangement in which I work at a full-time capacity, but I work remotely from home two days per week. The firm genuinely supports this arrangement, as evidenced by the facts that neither my compensation nor my partnership track has been altered, and I continue to receive great work, business development opportunities and professional mentoring. Like many lawyers, I am occasionally contacted by legal recruiters, but I don't even consider returning their calls because I appreciate Thompson Hine's inclusion of associates in high-level experiences such as strategic planning and client development and the firm's meaningful support of flex arrangements.

Beverly Lyman, Ph.D. - Atlanta- Partner

I was recruited to Thompson Hine as a lateral partner in the Intellectual Property and Life Sciences practice groups after practicing with a boutique firm for over a decade.

My interest in the firm was piqued by its culture of recognizing women, without any "cute" or "smarmy" overtones. Thompson Hine fit the bill for me. In other work environments, I was definitely singled out as a woman - labeled a "lady lawyer." At Thompson Hine, being a woman is not just about gender, it is an advantage in mentoring, networking, integrating my practice, pitching to clients, etc. I work with my female colleagues on women-focused issues, but these issues are core business issues (e.g., negotiation strategies). Thompson Hine fosters an atmosphere in which women are recognized as business professionals - a dynamic culture in which one can grow a practice.

Z. Ileana Martinez - Atlanta- Partner

"I am very pleased to be part of an organization that truly understands the value of diversity and that supports and encourages it, not only with words, but more importantly, with actions. A diverse work force is a win-win proposition for our clients, our firm and our communities."

Ileana is a partner in the firm's Product Liability Litigation, Life Sciences and Business Litigation practice groups and the co-chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative in the Atlanta office. Ileana is a member of the Hispanic Bar Association, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Latin American Association.

Sharen Swartz Neuhardt - Dayton- Partner

We value our women attorneys, first and foremost, because they are great lawyers. What sets Thompson Hine apart from many other large law firms is that it recognizes the leadership potential in its women attorneys and gives us the opportunity to demonstrate that we can be great attorneys and strong leaders as well.

Jennifer S. Roach - Cleveland- Partner

There are tremendous opportunities available to lawyers at Thompson Hine for professional and personal growth. Associates are encouraged to become involved in their communities, participate in pro bono projects and take advantage of the numerous professional development opportunities made available by the firm. Significant responsibility and the opportunity for direct client contact is given to associates early in their careers, with assignments increasing in complexity in a supportive environment where partners place an emphasis on learning by doing while taking the time to provide instruction and guidance. Thompson Hine offers the resources of a large firm while maintaining a culture in which personal relationships between colleagues in other practice groups and other offices are cultivated and valued.

Rachel G. Talay - Washington, D.C.- Counsel

I joined Thompson Hine after working with a large international firm in New York and Washington, D.C. for over eight years. I was drawn to the sophistication of the clients and work associated with Thompson Hine, as well as the dedication, energy and warmth exhibited by everyone in the firm.

As with any firm, the focus is always on providing the highest-quality client service, but I like that Thompson Hine has taken the additional step of creating, implementing and supporting a Client Service Pledge. The Pledge is now part of the culture at the firm and challenges us all to better serve our clients. Thompson Hine also supports efforts such as our Women's Initiative that focuses on the advancement and promotion of women, including those at the firm. I look around and see so many women who are leading practice groups, running committees and making key decisions for the firm. It is refreshing to be working in an environment with so many wonderful role models. All these factors come together to make Thompson Hine a wonderful place to work.

Ann B. Zallocco - Columbus- Associate

Thompson Hine offers its attorneys all the benefits and resources of a large law firm with none of the pretensions.  Associates are given significant assignments early on in their careers, and are encouraged to learn by doing, not simply observing.  Thompson Hine associates benefit from working on sophisticated legal matters in a relaxed culture where senior attorneys are always available and eager to act as mentors and teachers to new attorneys.  What impresses me most about Thompson Hine is the firm's emphasis on its attorneys' professional well-being. Associates are valued and rewarded for the quality of their work, not simply the quantity of their billable hours.