Cullen and Dykman and New Jersey American Water Announce Joint Diversity Fellowship

January 28, 2019 -- Cullen and Dykman and New Jersey American Water are proud to announce a joint summer fellowship program that will provide a unique summer work experience for law students dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Already recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms for Female Attorneys” by Law360, as well as a top ten “Ceiling Smasher,” Cullen and Dykman is committed to programs that foster a culture of respect, support, and professional advancement for all.

“Diversity is a core value of our culture. It enriches our workplace and leads to better results for our clients,” said Dina Vespia, the Chair of Cullen and Dykman’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. “This fellowship program furthers our commitment to recruit, retain, and advance talented attorneys who will contribute to the diversity of our firm and the legal profession. We are excited to launch this program with a company that shares the firm’s dedication to these efforts.”

“At New Jersey American Water, diversity and inclusion is not an HR initiative, but rather part of the fabric of our culture, and so we are very excited to help spearhead this important fellowship program,” said Debbie Albrecht, Vice President & General Counsel, New Jersey American Water. “We are committed to having employees who reflect our customer base – which includes women, military veterans, and people of all races and religious beliefs. Fellowship programs like this help create pathways to ensuring a pipeline of diverse and qualified candidates to make that happen.”

The fellowship is a paid position that spans two summers. During the first summer, the fellow will spend five weeks working in one of Cullen and Dykman’s New Jersey office locations, where the fellow will have the opportunity to experience the firm’s various practice areas while interacting with many different partners and associates. The fellow will then spend five weeks in the Legal Department of New Jersey American Water, where the fellow will gain the experience and perspective of an in-house attorney at the New Jersey utility affiliate of America’s leading investor-owned water and wastewater service provider. The fellow will have the opportunity to join Cullen and Dykman’s Summer Associate Program the following summer and will be considered for full-time employment at the firm following law school graduation.

Candidates for the summer of 2020 must be enrolled in good standing in a JD program at an ABA-accredited law school in the U.S. with an expected graduation date of Spring 2022. Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2020.

For more information, please visit:  https://www.cullenllp.com/our-firm/diversity-and-inclusion/

About Cullen and Dykman LLP

Cullen and Dykman LLP (www.cullenllp.com) is full-service law firm that clients have trusted to deliver top-tier, cost-effective legal services since 1850. With over 170 attorneys in seven offices located throughout the Northeast and MidAtlantic regions, Cullen and Dykman is strategically positioned to meet the changing needs and demands of our clients.

About Cullen and Dykman’s Diversity and Inclusion Initiative

Cullen and Dykman’s commitment to diversity is a cornerstone of our practice. It shapes who we are and what we do because we truly believe that diversity within our walls makes us stronger lawyers and a better law firm. Through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we strive to ensure that exceptionally talented individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to develop to their full potential and advance to leadership positions within the firm and the legal community.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.7 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter and Facebook.  With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.