McGuireWoods associate Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette is a 2019 recipient of a North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Diversity & Inclusion Award for advancing diversity in the legal profession and the community.
Based in the firm’s Raleigh office, Mallette represents businesses in commercial litigation. She promotes diversity and inclusion in the law as president of the Capital City Lawyers Association, a voluntary bar association comprised largely of minority lawyers, judges and elected officials. The CCLA assists underrepresented communities through outreach and pro bono service and awards scholarships to minority law students. Under Mallette’s leadership, the group has broadened its focus to encourage younger students to consider legal careers.
Mallette also serves as second vice president of the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers, playing a key role expanding the organization’s membership and program offerings. She recently was accepted to the American Bar Association Section of Litigation’s 2019-2021 Diverse Leaders Academy, which provides opportunities for lawyers in underrepresented groups to serve in leadership roles.
“Jocelyn shares our firm’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture to better serve our clients and build a stronger profession,” said Ava Lias-Booker, chair of McGuireWoods’ Diversity & Inclusion Committee. “We are proud to see her honored for her outstanding leadership.”
Mallette was blazing trails before she began practicing law. She was one of nine black women in her graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy and went on to serve as a diversity officer and an intelligence officer in the Air Force. In 2011, Mallette was the only recipient of the Air Force’s law school scholarship and went on to serve as a prosecutor and general practice attorney in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Before joining McGuireWoods, she clerked for North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Barbara Jackson.
“I am honored to be recognized along with attorneys, law firms and organizations that share a commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion and ensuring equal access to justice in all of our communities,” Mallette said.
The North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Diversity & Inclusion Award honorees will be feted at a Dec. 11 ceremony in Charlotte.