Lambda Legal is excited to announce the election of Kathleen Pearson to the Board of Directors. Pearson previously served on the National Leadership Council and played a key role in cultivating the financial resources needed to fund Lamba Legal’s impact litigation.
“Kathleen is a tremendous addition to the Board,” said Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings. “Her leadership in the legal sector creating diverse and inclusive work environments, including establishing policies and programs supporting transgender employees, is an invaluable asset to Lambda Legal.”
Kathleen Pearson is the Chief Human Resources Officer at McDermott Will & Emery, a premier global law firm with over 3,000 partners and employees. With more than two decades of experience in human capital management, Kathleen has established herself as a transformative leader known for cultivating diverse, resilient teams that excel in dynamic environments.
At McDermott, Kathleen oversees all people-related functions, including talent acquisition and management, employee relations, professional development, and compensation and benefits. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Kathleen has spearheaded several groundbreaking initiatives throughout her career that have set new standards in the legal profession. Notable among these are the development of comprehensive Gender Confirmation Guidelines, which provide crucial support for transgender employees, and the expansion of pronoun use and gender-inclusive language throughout systems, communications, and policies.
“I am honored to join the Lambda Legal Board of Directors,” said Pearson. “As the parent of a transgender child it is a particular privilege to support the work of Lambda Legal as they advocate for LGBTQ+ people and work to ensure all individuals have equal rights regardless of their sexual orientation, gender expression, or HIV status.”
Kathleen’s expertise extends beyond her role at McDermott. As a sought-after speaker, she regularly contributes her insights on critical topics such as gender identity, mental health, and post-pandemic talent management at national and international conferences. Her thought leadership in creating cultures of inclusivity, innovation, and well-being has earned her recognition as a visionary in the field of legal management and human resources.
“We are thrilled to have Kathleen join our Board of Directors,” said Lambda Legal Board Chair Michelle Riley. “Her commitment to driving positive change will help us during this critical time in the fight for equality for LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV.”
Lambda Legal has been at the forefront of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights for over 50 years as a national legal nonprofit organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV. Lambda Legal’s lawyers have won precedent-setting civil rights cases on everything from marriage equality to gender identity to employment, HIV, and health care discrimination. Through education, advocacy, and legal action, Lambda Legal strives to protect and advance the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for a society that embraces diversity and inclusivity.