Holland & Knight Announces 2011 Fellows for its Chesterfield Smith Fellowship Program
Miami, Fla. – January 7, 2011 – Holland & Knight is pleased to announce that two of the firm's associates have been selected as Fellows for the firm's Chesterfield Smith Fellowship Program. The Fellows are:
- Stacey Wang - Litigation, Los Angeles
Elisa Westapher - Real Estate, Chicago
Holland & Knight's Chesterfield Smith Fellowship Program was created in honor of the firm's founder and chairman emeritus, Chesterfield Smith. The program pays tribute to Smith's deep-seeded belief that lawyers have a professional duty to provide pro bono legal representation to those who cannot afford it.
The program identifies two Holland & Knight junior lawyers who seek a successful private practice while fulfilling their professional commitment to provide pro bono legal services. To qualify, junior and mid-level associates must practice at the firm for at least 12 months. Candidates must also distinguish themselves through exemplary performance and demonstrate a dedication to continuing Holland & Knight's tradition of serving those in need who are unable to afford legal representation. Fellows will work closely with the firm's Public and Charitable Service Department Chair, Buddy Schulz, with the firm's Community Service Team led by Stephen Hanlon and with other partners who have subject matter expertise that is relevant to the pro bono initiatives they undertake.
"Holland & Knight has a long-standing tradition of service to our communities and our profession," said Steven Sonberg, Holland & Knight's Managing Partner. "Our dedication to providing pro bono services coupled with our Chesterfield Smith Fellowship Program, are deeply woven into the fabric of our firm. This program will provide our Fellows with unique professional development opportunities, on-the-job-training and prominent roles in matters."
Schulz, added, "I look forward to working with both Stacey and Elisa during their intense year-long apprenticeship. The program allows them to perform pro bono work relevant to their current practice area, which will also lead to further advancement in their normal path to partnership."
Wang is an associate in the firm's Litigation Section and practices in the area of commercial and complex litigation with experience in representing domestic and international business involved in intellectual property and contractual disputes, tort claims and class actions. She received her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and her MBA from Loyola Marymount University. Wang received her J.D. from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles.
Westapher is an associate in the firm's Real Estate Section and practices in the area of real estate transactions. Prior to entering law school, she worked in the Issue Advocacy Division of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and also served as an executive assistant and legislative assistant in the Washington D.C. office of an Illinois United States Congressman. She received her B.A., with honors, from Cornell University and her J.D. at Northwestern University School of Law.