January 28, 2014: State Bar Honors Darryl Gibbs for Diversity Efforts

January 28, 2014: State Bar Honors Darryl Gibbs for Diversity Efforts

1.28.2014

By Communications Department

Darryl Gibbs of Manhattan, lead director and associate general counsel at AXA, is the recipient of the Diversity Trailblazer Award, given by the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion of the New York State Bar Association.

Gibbs received his award on January 27 during the State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in New York City. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing diversity in the legal profession.

“Darryl Gibbs has helped many students of color find a home in the legal profession. He is a passionate and dedicated leader who has given back at every turn,” said Kenneth G. Standard of New York City (Epstein Becker and Green), co-chair of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and a past president of the State Bar Association. “He is a role model for each of us.”

Gibbs helped create a mentoring and internship partnership between AXA and the Ronald H. Brown Center for Civil Rights at St. John’s School of Law, as well as a number of law firms. The Brown Center hosts a two-year program for first-generation college students, historically underrepresented students and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Since the partnership was established in 2009, eight interns have gone on to law school.

“Because he has walked in their shoes, Darryl Gibbs personally knows the challenges of being a first-generation college student. As such, he has devoted himself to making a difference for students with similar backgrounds,” said Rosevelie Marquez Morales of New York City (Harris Beach), co-chair of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. “We are honored to be able to recognize his achievements and example.”

Gibbs manages the Commercial Agreements Group at AXA. He began his career at Proskauer Rose and later worked for Safe Horizon, Inc. He is a graduate of Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, and St. John’s School of Law.

The 75,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in 1876.

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Contact: Brandon Vogel

Media Writer

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518/487-5535