STATE BAR HONORS TRACY RICHELLE HIGH FOR DIVERSITY EFFORTS

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Tracy Richelle High

ALBANY, NY (01/27/2015)(readMedia)-- Tracy Richelle High is the recipient of the 2015 Diversity Trailblazer Award, presented by the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion of the New York State Bar Association.

High received her award on January 26 during the State Bar Association's Annual Meeting in New York City. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing diversity in the legal profession.

In 2008, she became the first African-American woman partner at Sullivan & Cromwell. She also is the first woman to co-chair its Diversity Committee.

"Tracy has been a leader and mentor almost from the moment she arrived at the firm," wrote William J. Snipes in a nomination letter. "She has the rare ability to tell people what they don't want to hear, which not only makes her the lawyer of choice for clients, but, also, the person young, diverse lawyers instinctively turn to for guidance."

High is deputy managing partner of the firm's litigation group and a member of its criminal defense and investigations practice. She focuses her practice on representing financial institutions and other corporations in complex civil litigation, including shareholder derivative and class action suits, regulatory enforcement proceedings, corporate internal investigations, and employment and labor matters.

In addition to co-chairing the firm's diversity committee, High founded and co-chairs its Women's Initiative Committee. She also oversees the firm's participation in the Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Program, Practicing Attorneys for Law Students, Inc. and the Legal Outreach Program. High has mentored young students and associates and is an advocate for young lawyers of color.

The 74,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in 1876.

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