Orange County Coalition for Diversity in the Law Recognizes Snell & Wilmer as a “Top Legal Organization for DEI” and Attorney Vivienne Chen as a “Top Young Lawyer of OC”

ORANGE COUNTY – Snell & Wilmer is pleased to announce that the Orange County Coalition for Diversity in the Law (OCCDL) has recognized the firm’s Orange County office as a 2024 “Top Legal Organization for DEI,” and named associate Vivienne Chen to its list of “Top Young Lawyers of OC.” The annual awards recognize organizations and individuals who have advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Orange County legal community in the past year, whether through their excellence in the law or their direct efforts to promote DEI.

“At Snell & Wilmer, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment is essential for fostering innovation, collaboration and excellence,” said Eric S. Pezold, managing partner of the firm’s Orange County office. “This recognition reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where every individual’s unique background and perspective is valued, and where we can continue to make a meaningful impact both within our firm and in the communities we serve. We are also incredibly proud of Vivienne, whose personal achievements and passion for fostering inclusivity make her truly deserving of this honor.”

Chen is a member of the firm’s real estate practice group, and her practice involves a broad range of real estate transactions, including acquisitions and disposition, real estate development, and commercial leasing of all types. Chen represents local, regional, and national homebuilders, commercial developers, financial institutions, purchasers and sellers, as well as landlords, and tenants across various property types, such as office, retail, hotel and other income producing property. Chen also assists clients with title and survey work and matters relating to commercial development, office and retail leasing, developing, owning, operating, and leasing real estate.

Chen is an active member in several organizations in the greater community, such as the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, and the Orange County & Inland Empire Chapter of the Urban Land Institute. She is also an active member of the Real Property Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA), where she serves as a member of the Executive Committee and mentors three students that are a part of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) from her alma mater, Loyola Law School. Additionally, Chen currently serves as a co-lead for Snell & Wilmer’s Lawyers of Color (LOC) affinity group, which was created to enhance the firm’s commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment that encourages initiative, innovation, teamwork, and loyalty for all attorneys, regardless of race or ethnic background.

The OCCDL is a collaborative effort of professionals from leading Orange County law firms and other community partners promoting the recruitment, retainment, equity among, and advancement of diverse attorneys in Orange County. Through its members and partnerships, it has been able to extend its outreach in the community, partner with local schools and organizations to increase community involvement and provide education focused on diversity to students and attorneys.