800-951-4888 x7451
diane.patrick@ropesgray.com

In 1995, I joined Ropes & Gray after practicing law for 15 years — first in a large LA-based firm and then in-house at Harvard University. I didn't grow up with any ambition to be a lawyer, however. In fact, going to law school was the furthest thing from my mind. After attending public schools in NYC from kindergarten through college, I graduated with a degree in early childhood education and fulfilled my dream of working with children. I quite happily taught in NYC public schools for five years until a financial crisis in the city led to my lay off and ultimately to my decision to learn a new trade — law.

Since graduating from law school, I have practiced in the labor and employment area, working largely with health care institutions and colleges and universities. Ropes & Gray’s thriving health care and higher education practices bring together the expertise of many of the firm's lawyers from a variety of other practice groups — tax and benefits, labor and employment, corporate, litigation, and even our private clients group — to enhance the advice and service we provide to our clients. In fact, having the opportunity to work with colleagues throughout the firm in an environment that supports teamwork is what I most enjoy about Ropes & Gray. I am fortunate to work among and with incredibly smart and talented individuals who strive for excellence, commit themselves fully to getting the job done, and are always ready to lend a hand to a colleague.

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