Award of Merit Recipients Q&A
Question 1
What contribution are you most proud of from 2021?
Kevin Benedicto
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
I have two answers to this question: one national and one local. In 2020 and 2021, I served as a Voting Rights Fellow at the national office of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under Law. In 2021, I was able to assist in defending the results of the 2020 Presidential Election against partisan audits and certification challenges. I was also part of a team that brought litigation challenging voter suppression laws in Georgia and other states. I am immensely proud of this work.
I am also very proud of a contribution more local to San Francisco. In 2021, amidst an historic rise in anti-Asian and anti-AAPI violence, hundreds of San Francisco Chinatown businesses were targeted with a wave of frivolous and harassing ADA lawsuits. Thanks to the timely intervention of the Bar Association, I was able to help coordinate an effort involving a number of law firms – including my employer Morgan Lewis – to provide pro bono representation to low income businesses targeted by these suits. I am so proud of the work we have been able to do to represent and protect these community members."
My work has involved ongoing advice and communication with Yolanda Jackson and Wendy Preuss of the Bar Association, and I am most proud of my work for and growing rapport with them. BASF does such great work in the community and I am proud that I am able to support their mission by helping them with any personnel and human resources matters."
Krista Stevenson Johnson
Sheppard Mullin
Steve Berkman
Paul Hastings
I am proud that we were able to assist BASF in transitioning to an improved office space in a seamless manner so that BASF staff can continue to do it’s important work for the San Francisco legal community."
Question 2
How have your contributions impacted the San Francisco community?
Kevin Benedicto
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
For years I have been involved in criminal justice reform efforts in San Francisco, including as a member of the Bar Association of San Francisco Criminal Justice Task Force, and as part of the San Francisco Superior Court Committee on Elimination of Bias. I think that San Francisco has made real progress in criminal justice reform and has been an example for many other jurisdictions, and I am so honored to have made contributions to this important work. I hope that my work with BASF, JDC, and Barristers in various areas, including criminal justice reform, has had a positive impact on the San Francisco community."
My contribution is just allowing BASF to continue doing its work of empowering the Bay Area legal community."
Steve Berkman
Paul Hastings
Question 3
Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career path.
Kevin Benedicto
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
I have been very fortunate and privileged to have had so many mentors make an impact on my career path. And while there are too many to name, one that stands out is Joan Haratani. Joan is a partner at my firm, Morgan Lewis, and a past President of the Bar Association of San Francisco. She has always been in my corner and has been a tireless advocate and champion for me. She has taught me so many lessons, including the importance of fighting for yourself and taking every opportunity available to you. She is an exceptional attorney, person, and friend, and without her guidance and mentorship I would not be here today receiving this award. Whenever I serve as a mentor to law students and more junior attorneys, I try to impart a fraction of the wisdom and guidance that she gave me."
My work has involved ongoing advice and communication with Yolanda Jackson and Wendy Preuss of the Bar Association, and I am most proud of my work for and growing rapport with them. BASF does such great work in the community and I am proud that I am able to support their mission by helping them with any personnel and human resources matters."
Krista Stevenson Johnson
Sheppard Mullin
Steve Berkman
Paul Hastings
I worked for a partner at Skadden Arps named Allan Mutchnik. He was very energetic and dynamic and taught me that any legal problem can be solved with effort, and that even if I didn’t specifically know an answer it is my job to get that answer from someone else who does. He really taught me that the major part of being a good lawyer is to be willing to learn new things and tackle issues no matter where they lead."
