Holland & Knight was named the “Best Firm for Diversity” in North America at the sixth annual Americas Women in Business Law Awards ceremony in New York on June 8. Holland & Knight also received the “Best Gender Diversity Initiative by a National Firm (North America)” award and was recognized as “Best in the U.S. West” for its support of women attorneys. Five of the firm’s 27 offices worldwide are in the western United States: Anchorage, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland.

The Americas Women in Business Law Awards is presented by Euromoney Legal Media Group. Each year it recognizes the best women lawyers in individual practice areas, as well as firms that excel in their efforts to retain and promote women. As part of their research, Euromoney’s staff speaks with lawyers and other professionals from across the Americas in both face-to-face and phone interviews, gathering information about candidates and incorporating other research from surveys and legal directories. Individual winners are judged on their professional accomplishments during the last 12 months as well as their influence within their areas of practice. 

Holland & Knight also was shortlisted for Women in Business Law awards in the following areas:

  • Best National Mentoring Program (North America) 
  • Best National Firm for Work-Life Balance (North America) 
  • Best National Firm for Talent Management (North America) 
  • Best Firm in the U.S. Midwest 
  • Best Firm in the U.S. Northeast 
  • Best Firm in the U.S. South 

Additionally, three of the firm’s partners were shortlisted:

  • Anita Mosner – Best in Aviation 
  • Jennifer Hernandez – Best in Environment 
  • Carrie Friesen-Meyers – Rising Star: Finance 

Ms. Mosner, who received the “Best in Aviation” award the past three years, is the co-chair of Holland & Knight’s Transportation and Infrastructure Industry Sector Group. Ms. Hernandez leads the firm’s West Coast Land Use and Environment Practice Group and Ms. Friesen-Meyers practices in the area of structured finance.

“Holland & Knight’s commitment to its women lawyers is a long-standing core value and an important part of our overall dedication to diversity,” said Tammy Knight, chair of the firm’s Women’s Initiative. “We work hard to recruit, retain and promote our women lawyers and to sustain a positive and supportive environment for them. We are deeply gratified to have our efforts recognized by Euromoney Legal Media Group.”