Clark Hill Adds DEI Specialist Karen Spencer Kelly to Labor and Employment Practice

Clark Hill announced today that Karen Spencer Kelly has joined the firm as Senior Counsel in its Labor and Employment practice.

Based in the firm’s Philadelphia office, Spencer Kelly is a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) specialist. She provides organizations with a variety of services, including auditing, crisis management, conflict resolution, DE&I training, and how to establish employee resource groups.  

“My dream client is one that realizes they’ve got some diversity shortcomings, and they would like to figure out how to identify and grow a more diverse workforce, Spencer Kelly said. “I help them assess their current status and create a plan that addresses their particular needs.” 

Spencer Kelly was a civil defense attorney for 30 years before a brief stint in municipal finance law that lead to her focusing on DEI consulting for the past seven years. By joining Clark Hill, Spencer Kelly is planning to establish a broader range of services to clients to assist them from start to finish with DEI initiatives. 

“Joining Clark Hill gives me an opportunity to create a product line that I can present to different companies and organizations rather than just coming in during a moment of crisis,” Spencer Kelly said. “I’ll be able to truly help an entity change its culture.”

“We’re thrilled to have Karen join our team,” said Labor and Employment Member Lauri Kavulich. “As a colleague and friend of Karen’s for more than 20 years, I know that she will be a valuable resource for our clients and bring a unique practice to our group.” 

For its own DEI efforts, Clark Hill earned Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification in 2022, which requires that law firms consider at least 30% women, underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities, and senior lateral positions. 

“Lauri’s description of Clark Hill’s people and its commitment to DEI convinced me to join the firm,” Spencer Kelly said. “It’s the optimal environment for me, as firm leadership and I agree that DEI is more than just a return on investment. It’s an ethical and moral obligation as well.”