New York State Bar Association Honors Champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
4.15.2025
Sharon Brown, diversity partner at Barclay Damon, will receive the New York State Bar Association’s Attorney Professionalism Award. The award recognizes her commitment to integrity, fairness and the highest ethical standards.
Brown balances her demanding practice in public finance with advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the firm. Brown revamped her firm’s summer associate program to include leadership development workshops, all while attracting the nation’s best law students.
“As a result of her work, 67% of the summer 2024 summer associate class was diverse and 73% of the class was female,” wrote Barclay Damon Managing Partner Cornelia Cahill. “Sharon embodies the culture of mentorship at Barclay Damon.”
Brown has guided firm leadership and shaped recruitment policies that reflect the firm’s core values. Many summer associates returned to accept positions with the firm, further diversifying its ranks. Brown also works with the firm’s marketing team to ensure its website and social media convey its commitment to DEI principles.
Brown travels around the U.S. speaking about the value of diversity in the legal profession at law schools and professional associations. “Sharon brings her boundless energy, kindness, collegiality and professionalism to her roles at her firm and her outside activities,” Cahill added.
One of those community endeavors includes the Nazareth Regional High School in Brooklyn. As the chair of the Board of Trustees, Brown steered the school through turbulent financial times and helped to rebuild a bright future for the academic community.
“Under her stewardship, she saw a school with a dwindling enrollment of 245 students transform into a flourishing school of 375 men and women representing approximately 88% African American or Caribbean-American family and 12% Hispanic families,” wrote Nazareth Principal Robert DiRe.
The principal went on to describe the successful fiscal and program changes initiated by Brown during her time as chair.
Many of the nomination letters from colleagues detail her commitment to outreach. “Her mentorship was invaluable,” writes Sarathi Ray of Bank of America. “Her expansive knowledge as a tax attorney and her ethical and professional conduct made her an ideal role model for me and other young attorneys.”
“Her willingness to share knowledge and mentor aspiring attorneys speaks volumes about her character and dedication to the legal profession,” writes Justice Maurice Muir, New York State Supreme Court. “She navigates challenges with integrity and transparency, garnering the trust and respect of clients and peers alike.”
The Attorney Professionalism Award is presented by the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Attorney Professionalism each year on Law Day.
