Reed Smith today announced that its New York Labor & Employment partner Mark S. Goldstein and London-based associate Jonathan Andrews had been named to the Enable Role Model List 2024 sponsored by Dow. Compiled by INvolve, the diversity, equity and inclusion consultancy and global network, the Enable Role Model List celebrates diverse business leaders and their allies who are breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive workplaces worldwide.
Goldstein is a prominent mental health advocate in the legal industry. Since first sharing his personal mental health journey in The American Lawyer in 2019, he has championed and become a national spokesperson for greater acceptance of and the provision of supports for mental health and neurodiversity in legal workplaces.
“I am honored to be an Enable Role Model,” said Goldstein. “My efforts to de-stigmatize the need for mental health support by members of the legal profession have already produced gratifying, positive changes and I remain dedicated to continuing this advocacy. My hope is INvolve’s recognition will help engage other law firms and legal professionals as collaborators in this important work.”
In 2020, Goldstein co-founded and now leads Reed Smith's global Mental Health Task Force, which has pioneered initiatives such as an annual Mental Health Summit and a Law Student Mental Health Summit to raise awareness of and promote greater acceptance of the need for mental health resources for lawyers. Under his leadership, the firm has implemented numerous programs, including "Break the Stigma" events at law schools, Mental Health First Aid Training for law firms, and a successful #StopTheStigma campaign.
A 2010 graduate of Fordham University School of Law, Goldstein’s contributions previously earned him recognition as a "Trailblazer" by The American Lawyer and as the "Human Storyteller of the Year" by TLC Lions. He also serves on the ALM Media/Law.com Mental Health Advisory Board and the national Board of the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, D.C.
Andrews was named as the Top Role Model for Neurodiversity in this year’s Enable Role Model List. He is an associate in the firm’s global Entertainment and Media Industry Group, focusing on transactional, advisory and litigation work.
He is widely recognized both nationally in the UK and internationally for promoting best practice in diversity and inclusion, with a particular emphasis on disability and neurodiversity. Andrews champions the importance of role models and the need for supportive environments for neurodivergent talent, advocating for employment and career progression.
Andrews commented: “I am truly honoured to have not only been listed, but named as Enable's Top Role Model for Neurodiversity inclusion worldwide, for my work to advance disability and neurodiversity inclusion in work and wider society.”
“As someone whose work in this area all started from a desire to increase visibility of autism, neurodiversity and disability in the workplace, it is great to see initiatives like the Enable List spotlighting changemakers making a difference, and I hope that the list, and the stories and experiences of those spotlighted help demonstrate to those thinking of a career in their chosen field or profession that they can succeed – and the advantages to businesses of hiring neurodivergent and disabled people.”
Andrews is a former trustee of Ambitious about Autism and has served on the UK Government’s Expert Advisory Board for disability employment. He has co-authored several key DEI reports.
Original source can be found here.