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Desktop Image: Zakir, Yusuf
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Yusuf Z. Zakir

He/Him

Chief Talent & Inclusion Officer

T 213.633.6868 Los Angeles
We are intentional in our efforts to attract, retain, and advance the best lawyers in the country.
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Yusuf Zakir leads the firm's lawyer talent efforts to 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. He leads the firm's lawyer talent acquisition, professional development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion departments.

Drawing on more than a decade of AmLaw 100 experience, Yusuf works closely with key stakeholders across the firm to implement strategies, programs, and initiatives to build and develop exceptional legal talent at DWT.

Previously, Yusuf served as the firm's first Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. In that role, Yusuf built a DEI strategy at the firm based on four pillars—Community, Growth, Education, and Engagement. He is considered a thought leader, frequently authors relevant pieces, and is regularly quoted by major publications.

Under Yusuf's leadership, Davis Wright Tremaine is regularly recognized for its efforts. This includes Seramount Top 10 Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity, Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index Perfect Score, T-Mobile Excellence in Diversity Award (2023), Citibank Law Firm Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award (2022), Microsoft Law Firm Diversity Program Award (2021), and U.S. Bank "Invested in Diversity Award" (2020).

Admitted to Practice

  • California, 2010

Education

  • J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, 2010, magna cum laude
    • Note & Comment Editor, Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review
    • Order of the Coif
  • B.A., Honors Business Management and Philosophy, University of Toronto, 2005, high distinction
    • Dean's Honor List

Languages

  • Gujarati

Memberships & Affiliations

    • Faculty Member, Executive Institute on Inclusion, 2020-present
    • Board Member-at-Large, Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals, 2018-2020

Background

    • Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Holland & Knight LLP, Los Angeles, 2019-2020
    • Manager of Global Diversity, Recruiting, & Engagement, 2015-2019; Litigation Attorney, 2014-2015; Latham & Watkins, Costa Mesa, Calif.
    • Employment & Litigation Attorney, Rutan & Tucker LLP, Costa Mesa, Calif., 2013-2014
    • Judicial Law Clerk, Hon. Virginia A. Philips, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 2012-2013
    • Litigation Attorney, Latham & Watkins, Costa Mesa, Calif., 2010-2012
Searching...
Publications
04.08.25
News
Davis Wright Tremaine Launches New Professional Development and Recruiting Structure to Propel Growth Read More
Publications
01.22.25
News
Artificial Intelligence
Quoted in "Gen AI and Associate Legal Writing: Davis Wright Tremaine's New Training Model," The American Lawyer Read More External Link
Publications
06.03.24
News
Davis Wright Tremaine Honored for Diversity Excellence by LPL Financial Read More
Publications
05.29.24
News
Davis Wright Tremaine Named One of the Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity by Seramount for 11th Consecutive Year Read More
Publications
12.05.23
News
Litigation
The Financial Times Recognizes Davis Wright Tremaine as One of the 20 Most Innovative Law Firms in North America Read More
Publications
11.02.23
News
Litigation
Davis Wright Tremaine Shortlisted for Three Awards by Financial Times Innovative Lawyers North America 2023 Read More
10.12.23
Presentations
Panelist, "The Legal Irrelevancy of Race," DOWNLOAD/NY
09.27.23
Presentations
Panelist, "Why You Should Continue to Champion Diverse and Inclusive Law Firms," Bloomberg Law Event
09.22.23
Presentations
Panelist, "Strategic Solidarity – Forging Alliances Among Affinity Groups," California Minority Counsel Program 2023 Annual Business Conference
Publications
08.25.23
Publications
"The Battle for DEI in the Court of Public Opinion," The Recorder Read More External Link
Publications
07.26.23
Publications
"Reacting, Responding and Engaging With the World: Guiding Principles for DEI-Related Messaging," The Recorder Read More External Link
05.05.23
Presentations
Panelist, "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace," 2023 Annual Meeting, California Society for Healthcare Attorneys
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