Narges M. Kakalia
(she/her/hers)
Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
+1.212.692.6215
Narges is the firm’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. In that role, Narges leads the firm in developing and implementing its DEI strategy and goals, and is in charge of implementing thoughtful and innovative steps toward fostering a culture that values and celebrates difference, and ensures that every employee has an equal opportunity to succeed. By fostering a culture in which all individuals can bring their whole, unique selves to work, Narges helps Mintz bring multiple perspectives to each matter, thereby providing the highest level of client service and community engagement.
Prior to serving as the firm’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Narges was a Member in the firm’s Litigation Practice, Vice Chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Program, a leader of the firm’s Women’s Initiative, and a member of the firm’s MIATTY (Minority Attorney) affinity group.
Experience
- Represented Hexion Specialty Chemicals, an Apollo portfolio company, in a derivative action arising from Hexion’s failed merger with Huntsman Corporation. Won dismissal of the action.
viewpoints
Opening the Door to the New Beginning
January 10, 2022 | Article
Well-Being, Inclusion, & Belonging: Breaking Down Silos and Integrating DEI and Well-Being Initiatives
May 17, 2021 | Webinar | By Narges Kakalia
An Arbitrator’s Power May Be Greater Than That of a Judge
June 7, 2018 | Blog | By Narges Kakalia
Arbitrability Basics: An Illustration of the “Autonomy” Principle
March 22, 2018 | Blog | By Narges Kakalia
Enforcement of International Arbitral Awards in the U.S. – Could a Court Abstain Due To “Inconvenience”?
June 21, 2017 | Blog | By Narges Kakalia
Mandatory vs. Permissive Arbitration Clauses: A Survey of the Laws of Other Common Law Countries
March 27, 2017 | Blog | By Narges Kakalia, Terry McMahon
When An Arbitration Clause Sounds Permissive But Is Not -- Does "May" Really Mean "Must"?
January 12, 2017 | Blog | By Narges Kakalia
News & Press
Narges Kakalia Receives Womankind’s 2026 Phoenix of the Year Award
October 22, 2026
Narges Kakalia, Mintz’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, has been named Womankind’s 2026 Phoenix of the Year Honoree, recognizing her longstanding leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing justice and support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Leading DEI With Practicality And Purpose
August 31, 2023|
Has Big Law Hit Peak Empathy?
July 29, 2022|
Mintz Achieves Perfect Score on 2022 Corporate Equality Index
January 27, 2022|
To Retain Minority Attys, Aim For 'Psychological Safety'
December 22, 2021|
Mintz Ranked Among 2022 Best Law Firms for Diversity by Vault
September 1, 2021|
Why I Went From Litigator To Law Firm Diversity Officer
August 17, 2021|
Diversity Fatigue Is Setting In, and Law Firms Must Fight It
June 22, 2021|
Mintz Achieves Perfect Score on 2021 Corporate Equality Index
February 8, 2021|
Mintz Levin Names First Director of Diversity and Inclusion
October 22, 2020|
Who’s the Boss? She is.
November 4, 2019|
Twenty-Four Mintz Attorneys Named 2018 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
September 19, 2018|
Twenty-Eight Mintz Attorneys Named 2016 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
September 21, 2016|
Twenty-Three Mintz Attorneys Named 2015 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
September 16, 2015|
podcasts
'Business as Usual Doesn’t Work': Inside Big Law’s Reckoning on Race
December 11, 2020 | Podcast | By Narges Kakalia
In House Warrior: DEI & Law Firm Leadership with Narges Kakalia, Director of DEI at Mintz
November 24, 2020 | Podcast | By Narges Kakalia
Events & Speaking
Mintz's Annual Employment Law Summit 2025 - New York
Convene, 601 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022
Leaders of Color: The Changing Landscape
Centerforce
East Side 525 Lexington Ave. at 49th St. New York, NY 10017 212-755-4000
Inaccessible Websites: Risks, Remediation and Defense Strategies
Association of Corporate Counsel - New York
Fordham Law School 150 West 62nd Street, Costantino Room (Second Floor) New York, NY 10023
She's The Boss
An Event to Inspire Future Female Leaders
Convene, 117 W 46th St., Midtown West, New York, NY 10036
2018 Ethics Marathon
Association of Corporate Counsel – New York
Fordham University School of Law, Skadden Conference Center 150 West 62nd Street New York, NY
Mintz and Grant Thornton Present a Multitopic CLE Workshop
Grant Thornton 757 3rd Avenue and 47th Street New York, NY
Recognition & Awards
Womankind: Phoenix of the Year Award (2026)
Lawyers of Color: Nation's Best List of "Leading Attorneys with a Commitment to Promoting Diversity in the Legal Profession and Advancing Democracy and Equality in Marginalized Communities" (2019 – 2020)
Crain's New York Business: Leading Women Lawyers in New York City, a list of 100 “women who juggle both distinguished careers and exceptional civic and philanthropic activities" (2018)
New York Super Lawyers: General Litigation (2015 – 2018)
Human Rights First: Pro Bono Star Award for Excellence in Legal Advocacy (2013)
New York Super Lawyers: Rising Star – General Litigation (2011 – 2014)
Mintz Pro Bono Award (2008)
Involvement
- Board Vice-Chair, Womankind