April 8, 2025 – As the firm continues to enhance its methods for attracting, retaining, and developing talent, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is launching a new approach to professional development and recruiting, led by two C-suite leaders.
As Chief Talent & Inclusion Officer, Yusuf Zakir will lead the firm's newly established Lawyer Talent Department, which will encompass all aspects of lawyer recruiting and development at DWT. Kelli Kohout, the firm's Chief Administrative Officer, will oversee the recruiting and development of all DWT business professionals.
"Our people are the heart of our firm and the most critical element to our success," said Jaime Drozd, DWT's managing partner, in announcing the new structure. "By creating two departments focused on the distinct needs of our lawyers and business professionals, we will enhance our support for career development across the firm and advance our strategic goal of attracting and retaining the best talent."
Zakir, who has overseen the firm's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for the past four and a half years, will continue to drive and direct those efforts in his new, expanded role.
Said Drozd: "We expect Yusuf to integrate our diversity, equity, and inclusion values into our recruiting and professional development initiatives, ensuring we are a place where everyone, including those traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession, can build successful careers."
Said Zakir: "I look forward to distinguishing ourselves as industry leaders as we hire, develop, and grow lawyers who combine deep legal expertise, technological fluency, business acumen, and emotional intelligence – creating an excellent, inclusive, adaptive workforce that fuels exceptional client outcomes."
Kohout, who adds the new Business Professional Talent Department to her remit, said: "This new structure will position us to provide customized training and support for our business professionals that will consistently uplevel their skills and boost our operational efficiency." As Chief Administrative Officer, she will continue to oversee human resources, DWTSurge (the firm's alternative staffing service), office administrators, and business operations firmwide.
"Our vision is to be the firm where the most talented lawyers and business professionals want to build careers and the firm that clients choose for their most strategically important work," said Drozd. "This is another vital step in achieving that vision."