Verrill Appoints Firm’s First-Ever Diversity Partner, Geoffrey Why

BOSTON, Mass.; WESTPORT, Conn.; and PORTLAND, Maine – Verrill appoints partner Geoffrey Why as the firm’s first-ever Diversity Partner.

In this new role at Verrill, the Diversity Partner will amplify the firm’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts ensuring that there is a cohesive approach firmwide that fosters an environment where diversity in experience, backgrounds, culture, and perspectives are recognized and respected.

“Over the past couple of decades, we have made great strides as a firm towards creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace for all. Our work is not done, however,” explained Verrill Managing Partner Scott Anderson. “We appointed Geoff to this important role on the heels of the Supreme Court decision ending affirmative action for universities, and stories emerging of diversity officers being eliminated. At Verrill, we recognize that there is still a lack of diverse legal professionals and one of our core values is the importance of fostering an environment of mutual respect and belonging.”

Geoff is well-poised for this role due to his commitment to advancing diversity in the legal profession and within the community. He is a current board chair of the Asian Community Development Corporation and on the National Advisory Board for Boston College’s Forum on Racial Justice in America. Geoff is the past Commissioner and Vice Chair of the Massachusetts Asian-American Commission. He is also an active member and former board member of the Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts, which recognized him in 2016 with the organization's Community Service Award. Geoff is past Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Attorney General's Diversity Committee and a former board member of the Massachusetts Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights. Earlier this year, Geoff was named one of Boston’s Most Influential Asian American Pacific Islanders by Get Konnected!. He was also honored by the organization in 2019 as one of the 50 Most Influential Attorneys of Color in Greater Boston.

“I look forward to working with the firm’s leaders to help advance existing efforts, and to listen to all voices of the firm and of our clients – clients who will ultimately benefit from our diverse perspectives,” said Why. “I am disappointed by the decreasing number of diversity officers and firms backing down on diversity efforts. Now is not a time to retreat, but to continue to build upon the progress that we have made.”