Black Lawyers Affinity Group

Jones Day’s Black Lawyers Affinity Group supports the Firm’s Inclusion by supporting Black Lawyers at the Firm. The group, which meets quarterly by conference call, focuses its efforts on creating an informal infrastructure to support cross-office and Firmwide networking, mentorship, and collaboration.

The Black Lawyers Group is co-chaired by partners Elsa Andrianifahanana, Justin McKithen, Jennifer Plagman, and Kapri Saunders (up from the ranks partners), and has global participation. If you have questions about the Black Lawyers Group and its initiatives, or you would like to speak to a member in a particular Jones Day office, please contact one of the co-chairs.

Jones Day’s Shirlethia Franklin Named a Washington Business Journal 2026 Diversity in Business Honoree

Jones Day partner Shirlethia Franklin has been named a 2026 Diversity in Business Awards honoree by the Washington Business Journal. Now in its 19th year, this signature program celebrates Greater Washington's diverse leaders for their outstanding achievements and contributions to their organizations and local communities. Shirlethia is the practice leader for Jones Day's New Lawyers Group and co-founder of the Black Lawyers Group.

Leadership and Legacy Through Litigation: A Conversation With NAACP Legal Defense Fund President Janai Nelson

In honor of Black History Month, the Black Lawyers Affinity Group welcomed Janai Nelson, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF). Moderated by Jones Day partner Elsa Andrianifahanana, the illuminating conversation explored LDF's storied role in shaping the development of civil rights in the United States for decades and how that legacy informs its approach today under Janai's leadership.

Before retiring at the end of 2025, former Atlanta Office partner Rick Deane met with partner Yvette McGee Brown to discuss his career, changes in the legal profession, and advice for young lawyers. Read the interview here.