Pat Konopka Selected as 2020 D&I Award Winner by Missouri Lawyers Weekly

07.14.2020

Stinson LLP Partner Pat Konopka was recently recognized for her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession as a 2020 D&I Award honoree from Missouri Lawyers Weekly.

Konopka has co-chaired the firm's Diversity Committee since 2004, where she has assisted in identifying and driving the firm's strategic priorities of diversity, equity and inclusion by meeting regularly with firm leadership and practice leaders, as well as advising on recruitment matters, and scholarships and fellowships for law students. She is also actively involved in Stinson's Allies Network and Attorneys of Color Resource Group as a mentor to younger attorneys. Konopka is a longtime member of the Asian American Bar Association of Kansas City and serves on the board of directors for The Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey. Additionally, she helped found the Heartland Diversity Legal Job Fair in Kansas City.

"Pat understands the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and has been instrumental in creating opportunities for women, people of color, and people who are LGBTQ in the practice of law," said Ann Jenrette-Thomas, Stinson's chief diversity and inclusion officer. "Pat works hard to uplift her fellow attorneys and ensure they have the tools needed to succeed. As a result of her leadership and vision, in Stinson hired its first C-suite level diversity officer."

Konopka was chosen as a D&I Award honoree by a selection committee of statewide legal and bar association leaders. She will be recognized alongside her fellow honorees at a virtual ceremony on July 31.

As a labor and employment partner, Konopka litigates employment-related lawsuits to help clients resolve disputes effectively and efficiently. She also regularly advises clients to ensure their employment policies and practices meet legal and compliance requirements. Konopka frequently represents employers in matters related to wage and hour violations, harassment and discrimination claims and retaliation, and advises on human resources practices including discharge, discrimination, employee handbooks, contracts, leave policies, accommodations for disability and privacy issues.