8 MiMfg Magazine September 2020
PREMIUM
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Spotlight
Clark Hill
Member since February 1908 • Learn more at clarkhill.com
David Cessante
Partner, Labor & Employment Practice Group
A manufacturer’s need for legal
advice may start with one question
about one problem, but it can quickly
branch off into deeper, more diverse
discussions. Experience matters
and having one reliable source
ready to help you across multiple
issues can provide a competitive
advantage. Moreover, finding a
firm that mirrors manufacturing’s
own commitment to community
and diversity can keep you at the
cutting edge of societal trends.
Founded in 1890, Clark Hill
is one of the nation’s largest legal
firms with over 700 attorneys and
professionals nationwide and more
than two dozen unique practice areas
including labor & employment,
cyber security, international trade
and health care law. And, with
membership dating back to 1908,
Clark Hill is one of MMA’s longeststanding
members and a steadfast
supporter of the industry for
more than a century.
“Our mission has always been
to provide manufacturers with
the resources and advice to remain
competitive now and into the future,
no matter what obstacles arise,”
said David Cessante, Partner for
Clark Hill’s Labor & Employment
Practice Group. “This year has
definitely brought a lot of unexpected
obstacles to the forefront and I
think manufacturers have stepped
up to lead and will come out
stronger because of it.”
Built on core guiding principles,
including going beyond expectations,
forging strong relationships, caring,
ethical behavior, putting the
community first — the secret of
Clark Hill’s decades-long success
is in a culture just as diverse as its
manufacturing clientele.
One Skill Everyone
Should Have
Strong work ethic.
Best Advice
You’ve Received
Golden rule. Treat
others as you’d
want to be treated.
“The best legal minds in the
world can only get you so far.
Manufacturers can understand
that the more open you are to
innovative ideas, out-of-the-box
thinking, and a willingness to
adapt — that is where success
comes from and that’s the culture
our leadership team has built,”
explained Cessante.
A wide variety of perspectives
will bring with it a variety of
innovative ideas and Clark Hill has
shown dedication to developing a
diverse and inclusive workforce from
within its respective communities.
Clark Hill’s Diversity and Inclusion
Committee directs three core
programs that serve as the cornerstones
of its effort to make the firm
a welcoming workplace and to
effectively prepare future leaders:
• ClarkHill THRIVE,
emphasizing the value
of multiculturalism
• ClarkHill BOLD,
preparing and promoting
women for leadership
• ClarkHill PRIDE, elevating
and supporting LGBTQ
lawyers, professionals and staff
By bringing in the experiences
and vision of each group, new
opportunities are created to expand
representation at every level of
the firm. New initiatives have
also become popularized thanks
to their input, including updates
to parental leave and reducedwork
arrangements and career path
alternatives to improve professional
growth opportunities.
“We’ve been around for 130
years and we’ve been committed
to manufacturing all along.
Manufacturers invest every bit of
themselves into service to their
customers and their community,”
Cessante said. “We recognize
that and we mimic that in our
own service.” 6
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