Mala Ahuja Harker Recognized in Crain's Notable Diverse Leaders in Law List

Friedman Kaplan partner and Management Committee member Mala Ahuja Harker was recognized by Crain’s New York Business in its inaugural Notable Diverse Leaders in Law list, which honors lawyers from underrepresented groups who serve in senior roles at New York City law firms and have made an impact in the types of cases handled, clients won, and/or pro bono work. In making its selections, Crain’s also evaluated commitment to community service, philanthropy, professional mentorship, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.  

In addition to her active white collar and litigation practice, Ms. Harker is a champion for diversity and inclusion, leading by example through mentoring women lawyers and attorneys of color and by participating in a number of initiatives aimed at improving DEI, both at Friedman Kaplan and through professional organizations outside the firm. She is Friedman Kaplan’s representative in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and serves on the Board of Trustees of Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, which serves economically-disadvantaged clients and communities. She is an active member of the South Asian Bar Association of New York, the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, and multiple other professional organizations that advance gender equity and inclusion within the workplace. Additionally, Ms. Harker and her husband have endowed scholarships at three universities, including scholarships specifically for diverse students at West Virginia University and Fairmont State University. She also volunteers with Lasagna Love, an organization enabling volunteer chefs to provide homemade meals to families in need.

The full list of honorees can be viewed here (subscription required).