Press Releases
Hogan Lovells once again named one of the most innovative law firms in Europe by the Financial Times
15 October 2021
Chief Diversity & Inclusion OfficerWashington, D.C.
Bendita Cynthia Malakia leads Hogan Lovells' global diversity, equity and inclusion, (DEI) strategy with the aim of ensuring that historically underrepresented professionals can thrive. Bendita serves as architect and executor of the firm's DEI strategy in partnership with firm leadership and a global team of 11 DEI professionals, for the benefit of the firm's people, its culture, and clients.
Bendita has the pleasure of being a catalyst for underrepresented colleagues to be their authentic selves in the workplace and for others to structure for their development and success, including working across difference to create community – by building systems, inspiring investment, and cultivating connections. With a people-centric, metrics-driven approach, Bendita also leverages her DEI, leadership development, and executive coaching capabilities to help clients achieve their DEI ambitions.
Bendita draws on her prior experiences as a large law firm lawyer financing projects in emerging markets, in-house counsel at two global financial institutions, a diversity consultant for large and mid-size organizations, and a certified professional coach to cultivate change institutionally and individually.
Bendita's thought leadership and advocacy extend to being a prolific writer and speaker on DEI in the workplace, with specialized capabilities in intersectionality and LGBT+ issues. She is Treasurer of the National LGBT Bar, and contributes to the development of DEI more broadly through initiatives bringing metrics and accountability globally. Bendita serves on the editorial board of Modern Lawyer, a legal innovation publication, and also writes a regular column in that journal on diversity innovation called "First Things First." Bendita graduated from Harvard Law School and Barnard College.
Commended, for racial justice initiatives
Financial Times
Who's Who in Black Dallas
Who’s Who In Black Dallas Edition
Rising Star
Super Lawyers
Project Finance (Washington, D.C.)
Who's Who Legal
Education
Professional Coach Certification, Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, 2017
J.D., Harvard Law School, cum laude, 2008
B.A., Barnard College, summa cum laude, 2005
Memberships
Advisory Board Member, Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession (2021-present)
Member, Mansfield Rule Implementation Taskforce (2018-present)
Member, Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals (2017-present)
Member, Social Impact Incubator, Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession (2018-present)
Treasurer, National LGBT Bar Association (2015-present)
Board Member, Harvard Real Estate Academic Initiative (2008-2018)
Bar admissions and qualifications
District of Columbia
New York
Press Releases
15 October 2021
Press Releases
14 September 2021
Announcements
31 August 2021
Announcements
19 July 2021
Awards and Rankings
24 February 2021
Press Releases
19 January 2021