Sheppard is pleased to announce that Nirav Bhatt has been named co-leader of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Attorney Network (DIAN) and Daniel De La Cruz has been named co-leader of Out at Sheppard (OAS). Their new roles reflect their longstanding dedication to strengthening community and advancing inclusion across the firm.
Bhatt will serve alongside Lisa Harris and Judy Suwatanapongched in leading DIAN, while De La Cruz will co-lead OAS with Jay Ramsey. Robert Guite has stepped down as co-leader but remains an active member of OAS.
DIAN is the firmwide affinity group that provides lawyers of color and allies a forum to address issues of interest within the firm and the broader legal community. DIAN serves as a network of support, advancing our commitment to inclusion and professional development for all lawyers. OAS is the firmwide affinity group that supports LGBTQ+ lawyers, professionals, and allies. The group contributes to an open, inclusive, and affirming culture by fostering positive change within our firm, client workplaces, and broader communities.
Bhatt, a member of the firm’s Finance & Bankruptcy practice group and based in New York, has spent his entire legal career at Sheppard and was recently elevated to partner. He represents financial sponsors, corporate borrowers, banks, non-bank lenders, and other financial institutions in a variety of financing transactions, including first and second lien credit facilities, acquisition financings, bridge loans, refinancings, recapitalization facilities, and secured creditor matters. He also advises on cross-border transactions and distressed lending scenarios.
“DIAN has been an important source of community and support throughout my time at Sheppard, and I’m excited to help continue that work alongside Lisa and Judy,” said Bhatt. “I look forward to advancing initiatives that strengthen connection, mentorship, and belonging for lawyers across the firm.”
De La Cruz, who has practiced at Sheppard for much of his legal career, is a newly elevated partner in Sheppard’s Labor and Employment practice group in San Diego. He handles various types of employment litigation, including wage and hour class actions; discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, and harassment lawsuits; and administrative litigation, collective bargaining, and general labor relations matters. He also proactively advises employers on labor law compliance, workplace policies, leave laws, disability accommodations, workplace violence prevention, discipline and termination processes, and employment-related audits.
“OAS reflects the best of Sheppard’s commitment to inclusion, connection, and belonging, and I’m honored to help lead the group with Jay,” said De La Cruz. “I look forward to partnering with Jay and our members to advance initiatives that strengthen community within the firm and beyond. And we thank Rob Guite for his leadership and contributions over the past several years.”