HispanicBusiness

Jesse H. Ruiz, a partner in Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP's corporate and securities practice, received the Barristers Philanthropic Award from Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth at the organization's Spring Awards Dinner yesterday. His wife, Michele, shared the award.

The Ruizes were recognized for their dedication to the Chicago community and their commitment to youth mentoring programs in Chicago.

"There are no two alumni of the University of Chicago Law School of whom I am prouder than Jesse and Michele Ruiz," said Michael H. Schill, dean, The University of Chicago Law School. "They perfectly embody our desire to train lawyers who are both extraordinary attorneys and stellar public servants."

"Jesse's commitment to education and the legal profession is exemplary, and we are extremely pleased that he and Michele are being recognized in this way," said Edwin A. Getz, the regional partner in charge of Drinker Biddle's Chicago office.

Ruiz has a long history of public service in key leadership appointments.

In 2011, he was appointed vice president of the Chicago Board of Education and as a commissioner on the U.S. Department of Education's Equity and Excellence Commission. He also serves on the National Association of Latino Elected/Appointed Officials Education Task Force and the board of the Illinois Association of School Boards.

Recognized as a champion of diversity in the legal profession, Ruiz is co-chair of Drinker Biddle's national Diversity Committee and also sits on the American Bar Association's Presidential Advisory Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights and Responsibilities. He is past chairman of the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firm and past president of the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois.

Ruiz was named to HispanicBusiness's list of 100 Influentials in 2010.

He concentrates his law practice in mergers and acquisitions and the representation of public and middle-market companies, and oversees all facets of the legal services Drinker Biddle provides to Walmart across the United States.

Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth channels the legal community's resources to promote best-practice mentoring and tutoring programs in disadvantaged communities. This year it awarded $210,000 to 37 mentoring programs serving over 7,500 Chicago-area youth.

Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP is a national law firm with 650 lawyers in 11 offices.