Cooley Again Honors Champions of Inclusion

Palo Alto – November 20, 2025For the fourth consecutive year, Cooley has recognized outstanding firm lawyers and business professionals based on exemplary contributions to championing inclusion at the firm and in their communities. Each award winner has directed a $10,000 charitable donation to a nonprofit organization of their choice engaged in advancing inclusion and social justice causes.

In 2021, the firm launched the Cooley Champion Award to recognize individuals who were not only advancing inclusion, but also were inspiring others to do the same. Last year, the firm proudly renamed this special award in memory and honor of Eric Larson, a Cooley Champion Award recipient who embodied the spirit of “Being Cooley” through his positive impact on the firm and its culture.

To that end, the firm’s board of directors has selected the following individuals as winners of the 2025 Eric Larson Cooley Champion Awards:

Nicola Squire, partner – Nicola is a positive role model for all within the firm and consistently offers her time, assistance and guidance to everyone regardless of role, background or experience. She actively engages in firm and community initiatives, serving as a Women’s Initiative representative, leading the Male Allies Taskforce, co-chairing the London Social Mobility Taskforce, and coordinating local events and volunteer efforts. Nicola directed her charitable donation to The 93% Club, an organization that provides state-educated people access to connections, knowledge and enhanced opportunities.

Calvin Lee, associate – Calvin leads by example through his uplifting energy and unwavering dedication to inclusion, mentorship and community, especially as a member of the firm’s DEI committee. He champions allyship by organizing and participating in local activities and community events, creating and fostering environments that welcome diverse perspectives and conversations. Calvin directed his charitable donation to Jumpstart for Young Children, an organization focused on developing language and literacy programming for preschool children, helping communities thrive and promoting quality early learning for all.

Ric Clara, business intake and conflicts analyst – Ric creates inclusive and safe spaces for colleagues by thoughtfully sharing his perspectives and experiences, encouraging people to show up as their authentic selves. He helps organize educational and volunteer opportunities for colleagues to build relationships and give back to their community. Ric directed his charitable donation to LoveYourself, an organization focused on providing free HIV testing, counseling, treatment and life coaching in the Philippines.

Nohely Fregoso, practice team assistant – Nohely is a passionate advocate for others, offering friendship, guidance and encouragement to everyone in the office. She is a member of the firm’s DEI committee and regularly organizes events and activities to raise awareness and understanding of different identities and backgrounds. Nohely directed her charitable donation to Voices for Children, an organization that recruits, trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers, who advocate for the needs and well-being of children in foster care.

Lisset Nevárez, senior administrative services manager – Lisset strives to create a work environment where every individual feels respected, supported and equipped with the resources and mentorship they need to thrive. She is a member of the firm’s DEI committee and promotes inclusivity and belonging by planning social and educational events that celebrate diverse identities and cultures. Lisset directed her charitable donation to Young Women’s Freedom Center, an organization that supports and empowers young women, girls and trans people impacted by the juvenile or criminal justice systems through sponsorship, training and mentorship.

Cooley is dedicated to maintaining a workplace that values and celebrates differences. The firm is widely recognized for its inclusion efforts by top industry organizations and publications, highlighted by earning a maximum score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, recognition by Seramount as a Best Law Firm for Talent, and consistently achieving Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Rule Certification status.

To learn more about Cooley’s inclusion efforts, please visit the firm’s Diversity webpage.

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Cooley has nearly 1,400 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States, Asia and Europe, and a total workforce of more than 3,000 people.