Stone Pigman Appoints New Chief Diversity Officer

Stone Pigman is pleased to announce that firm member Heather Lonian will take on a new role as the firm’s Chief Diversity Officer.  In addition to her litigation practice, Heather will provide strategic leadership to the firm’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) initiatives.  As Chief Diversity Officer and Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee, Heather will work with attorneys, staff, and administration within the firm to increase and benchmark recruitment efforts, provide mentorship, professional development, and focus on retention of diverse personnel.  She will also work with businesses to develop and administer diversity training programs, moderate employee discussions, and provide reviews of policies and procedures. 

“We congratulate Heather on this appointment and are confident her dedication and leadership will assist our diversity efforts,” said Michael Walshe, Chair of Stone Pigman’s Management Committee.  “We continue to make significant strides in ensuring equity and inclusion within our workplace and defining a chief diversity officer role is the next stepping-stone in Stone Pigman’s on-going mission to live its values.” 

Heather has been instrumental in leading Stone Pigman’s DEI efforts to-date by communicating the firm’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in the legal community. 

Heather commented, “I'm eager to spearhead this important initiative at Stone Pigman.  Being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is essential to strengthening and maintaining the sense of belonging fundamental to our culture and identity.  Formalizing this role with dedicated resources will help grow the program and bring new light to our efforts thus far.”  

Her appointment to CDO coincides with the firm's celebration of the 45th official Black History Month.  "We pay special tribute to those trailblazing Black lawyers who led, and continue to lead, the effort to desegregate not only their own profession, but American society as a whole.  Now more than ever, the legal profession needs to hold itself accountable by ensuring that we are all contributing to a culture that is more diverse, equitable, and inclusive."   

A Harvard Law school graduate, Heather has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Louisiana Super Lawyers.  She is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, National Bar Association, and the American Bar Association's Class Actions & Derivative Suits Committee.  She is also a member of the vestry at Trinity Episcopal Church.