Allen Matkins Attorney Peter A. Griffin Receives CMCP's Marci Rubin Emerging Diversity Leader Award

LOS ANGELES – September 23, 2020 – Allen Matkins, a California-based, full-service real estate and business law firm, congratulates litigation associate Peter A. Griffin for receiving the California Minority Counsel Program's (CMCP) Marci Rubin Emerging Diversity Leader Award. The award is given to an individual, or individuals, who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. This honor was awarded to only two candidates this year who were recognized at the CMCP2020 Virtual Conference on September 22. Allen Matkins is one of the conference's title sponsors.

"One of Peter's best traits is his thoughtfulness and eagerness to always 'pay it forward.' For any opportunity that has been so deservedly earned by Peter or presented to him, he always takes full advantage," says Allen Matkins partner Marissa Dennis, Operating Partner of the firm's Los Angeles office and Co-Chair of the firm's Diversity & Inclusion Committee. "But perhaps more importantly he, in turn, seeks out ways to provide mentorship, create and foster connections, and continue to move the needle forward when it comes to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession in any way he can."

Peter’s commitment to expanding diversity across the legal industry is demonstrated through his various efforts including his work with the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), the John M. Langston Bar Association, the California Association of Black Lawyers, and CMCP. His continued mentorship to law students from diverse backgrounds demonstrates his tenacity in providing support and building a clear and open path to those whose legal careers are set to take flight soon. In addition to the CMCP Award, Peter was recently recognized by The National Black Lawyers as one of California's "Top 40 Under 40" attorneys.

Peter has leveraged his exemplary reputation within Allen Matkins to advance the promotion of diversity and inclusion. He has been a driving force behind many of the firm's efforts since joining Allen Matkins and is one of the first associates serving on the firm-wide Diversity & Inclusion Committee. He was an advocate for creating and implementing the Allen Matkins 1L Diversity Scholar Program which is celebrating its first year this year. Peter is a member of the firm’s African American affinity group and serves as the liaison for that group to the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, ensuring their initiatives and interests are addressed.

Peter is a successful trial lawyer and frequently handles high-stakes matters on behalf of his clients, serving as second chair in a variety of jury trials. He also serves on the legal team in one of the largest and most complex construction litigation matters in California history. Peter received his Bachelor's degree from Stanford University and his Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law.

About Allen Matkins

Allen Matkins, founded in 1977, is a California-based law firm with more than 200 attorneys in four major metropolitan areas of California:  Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco. The firm's areas of focus include real estate, construction, land use, environmental, and natural resources; corporate and securities, real estate and commercial finance, bankruptcy, restructurings and creditors' rights, joint ventures, and tax; labor and employment; and trials, litigation, risk management, and alternative dispute resolution in all of these areas. For more information about Allen Matkins please visit www.allenmatkins.com.