June 2024
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WATCH NOW: Belonging at Hanson Bridgett – Pride Month Edition!
Embracing Diversity with Partner Jonathan Storper
It’s Pride month and there’s plenty to celebrate at Hanson Bridgett. As the first openly gay partner to come out at the firm in the late 1980s, Jonathan Storper brings an important perspective to this conversation. We sat down with the Corporate Practice lawyer and business advisor to discuss inclusiveness and what Pride means at Hanson Bridgett. Watch our video below for this special Pride edition of “Belonging at Hanson Bridgett”.
“Everyone has something to learn, and we’re in the business of people,” Jonathan explains, referring to the power of having diverse viewpoints at the firm. “That’s always been part of the firm’s ethos, our diversified workforce allows us to see things others may not.”
Jonathan celebrates the firm’s philosophy of inclusion while noting that he has always wanted to be known first and foremost for his professional expertise and accomplishments. He’s grateful for Hanson Bridgett’s founders, who were early diversity advocates—embracing different business sectors and partnering with nonprofit organizations, government entities, and people from varying backgrounds. The firm has a rich history of involvement in its diverse California communities.
He also acknowledges and is amazed at how far we’ve come. “To see younger people coming into the profession that are confident, open, and proud about their identity is truly gratifying,” he explained. Today, Jonathan is a diversity mentor at Hanson Bridgett and carves out time to celebrate Pride Month each year. He can’t help but be impressed with the ease and comfortableness his mentees exude in their ability just to be themselves—which he feels is an essential quality for a lawyer.
Pride Month recognizes the importance of those who fought (and continue to fight) for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. It serves as a reminder of the community’s journey and hardships throughout the decades-long fight for equal justice. It’s also a time to embrace, celebrate, and honor the triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. This month, the firm will host a Pride-themed wine tasting and discussion and we’ll continue our educational series highlighting important moments, movements, and figures in LGBTQ+ history.
A Favorite Pride Memory
June holds a special place in Jonathan’s heart as well. He remembers vividly that June day in 2015 when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. Then Managing Partner Andrew Giacomini felt it was important for the firm to get together and welcome the decision. “People of all different backgrounds and beliefs attended a reception at the firm to celebrate the decision—including some with more conservative backgrounds,” said Jonathan, which was especially impactful.
“The Obergefell decision was something I never thought I’d see in my lifetime. It was a great feeling to see and feel all the support from people from around the firm.” Looking ahead, he notes that we all have more work to do to continue to advocate and protect the rights of all people to be treated equally.
