FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
03/28/17
San Francisco – Public Advocates Inc., one of California’s leading public interest law firms and advocacy organizations since its founding in 1971, announced today that Fred Alvarez, Of Counsel to the global law firm of Jones Day, will be leading the organization as chair of its board of governors.
Mr. Alvarez brings the experience and perspective he obtained while serving in two U.S. Senate-confirmed federal sub-cabinet positions: Assistant Secretary of Labor and Commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He also served as president of The Bar Association of San Francisco and as chair of the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession of the American Bar Association. He currently serves on the Public Advocates Inc. Board of Governors as well as the Stanford University Board of Trustees.
“We are thrilled that Fred Alvarez will be presiding over the strategic direction of Public Advocates as we move forward in the coming years,” said Guillermo Mayer, President and CEO of Public Advocates Inc. “Especially in these challenging times when civil rights and social justice values are under threat, we need strong and effective leadership. Fred is deeply committed to helping build an inclusive society where all people are valued as critical actors in building a multi-cultural democracy and thriving communities.”
Throughout his legal career, Mr. Alvarez has combined public service with legal professional leadership, at the national level and in California.
“Public Advocates is very fortunate to have Fred Alvarez as its new board chair,” said Yolanda Jackson, Executive Director and General Counsel of The Bar Association of San Francisco. “He is widely respected in our legal community and we’re proud to say he is among our most illustrious past presidents. Even after his tenure with the Bar Association ended, Fred dedicated his formidable litigation skills, powerful mind and big heart to bringing fairness and justice to under-served communities and increasing diversity in our profession. Public Advocates is lucky to have his leadership.”
In his practice at Jones Day, Mr. Alvarez has represented clients in a range of industries, including energy, retail, communications, financial services, and technology. His practice includes serving as a court-appointed monitor of class action decrees, and he has offered testimony to Congress on several occasions.
“I’m honored to lead such an important organization that over many decades has improved the lives of millions of low-income Californians through its unique blend of litigation, community partnerships and fearless advocacy,” said Fred Alvarez. “I’m eager to help build on that history, and work with our outstanding Board of Governors and our committed and generous supporters to create an even stronger, more equitable California.”
Public Advocates Inc. is a non-profit law firm and advocacy organization that challenges the systemic causes of poverty and racial discrimination by strengthening community voices in public policy and achieving tangible legal victories advancing education, housing and transit equity. For more information, see www.publicadvocates.org.
Partial list of awards and distinctions:
Best Lawyers in America (2007-2016), including 2015 and 2016 Northern California “Lawyer of the Year” in Labor Law — Management
Fellow, College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
One of the “Most Powerful Employment Attorneys,” Human Resource Executive (2012-2016)
Lecturer, Stanford Law School, Labor Law (Spring 2016)
“Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California,” Northern California Super Lawyers (2010)
President, The Bar Association of San Francisco (2000)
For More Information Contact:Isabel Alegría, ialegria@publicadvocates.org or 510 541-5428
