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Kathryn Cameron Atkinson Comments on New Role as Firm Chair in the American Lawyer

Subtitle
"Miller & Chevalier Taps New Leader Ahead of 100-Year Milestone"

American Lawyer

Kathryn Cameron Atkinson, newly-elected Chair of of Miller & Chevalier, commented on her new role in a feature article and discussed the future of the firm, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2020. Atkinson, who succeeded Marc J. Gerson as Chair on July 1, said she's not likely to change the direction of the firm during her tenure, adding, "being consistent isn't the same as being static." The firm's deepening of expertise in economic sanctions and export controls and a renewed interest in representing government contractors are two areas of interest. "Government contracting is an area that has always made sense for us, and we have figured out how to scale it properly," she said. "Strategically, we want to play to our strengths as a local D.C. firm with international clients." She previously served seven years on the firm's Executive Committee as Chair of the International Department and as Vice Chair of that department, in addition to service on the firm's compensation, hiring, lawyer development, and pro bono committees. Atkinson, who joined the firm straight from Cornell Law School and is the second woman to lead Miller & Chevalier in its history, said there is still a lot of work to achieve parity for women in positions of law firm leadership. "I was in law school when the scales tipped to 50/50, and that was 27 years ago," she said of the imbalances. "We have to do more than simply be present. Sometimes it's just about who is in the room, who gets an opportunity to go on a pitch."

This article was republished by The National Law Journal.