Atlanta's New Partner Class Expanded, but Gender Imbalance Remains
Partner Puja Patel Lea is featured in a Daily Report story about Atlanta’s new class of partners. The story points out the continuing gender imbalance between men and women in the partnership ranks, but it notes that the “two newly promoted female partners in Atlanta, both in male-dominated practice areas, said they didn’t feel their gender was an issue.” Puja is quoted about her appreciation for IP litigation and how having supportive mentors was key to her advancement. Puja was asked about the best piece of advice she received from her mentors, and she is quoted in the story, saying, “Don’t be afraid to ask for opportunities to do the thing you want to do.” Puja also weighed in on the path to partnership for associates, saying, “It takes initiative. For younger associates the initiative is identifying and anticipating the needs of the cases you’re working on. As you progress, the focus is more on client service—and understanding how the legal work we’re doing fits into their business.”