Marek champions diversity, inclusion at work and beyond

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When Zachary Eastburn was a first-year associate at Quarles & Brady’s Milwaukee’s Office, the firm was the host of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber’s Workplace Alliance meeting.

As a young, gay lawyer, Eastburn found one of the highlights of the meeting were remarks made by George Marek, who initiated the event by stressing the importance of creating workspaces that empower everyone to be themselves.

“I soon learned that George’s remarks were not mere perfunctory salvos, but a true embodiment of his character and passion,” said Eastburn.

Marek, a partner at Quarles & Brady, is a champion of diversity both inside and outside the firm, said his colleague Katrene Zelenovskiy.

“(He) has played a significant role in continuing our long history of dedication to diversity and inclusion,” said Zelenovskiy, also a partner.

That history with Quarles & Brady dates to 1990. Other than a second summer position at a Dallas law firm, Marek has spent his entire career at Quarles & Brady.

Marek says his interest in law was piqued while working for a professor at Harvard Law School.

“I was a jack of all trades for him, which gave me the opportunity to see a lawyer who chose academia, as well as a number of alumni who went into private practice or government positions,” Marek said. “The range of possibilities — plus the challenging topics — were very appealing to me.”

Marek, who practices environmental law, said he enjoys helping clients resolve their concerns in a cost-effective way. Another attractive part of his job is the fact that his practice is constantly changing.

“There are new cleanup technologies, new scientific breakthroughs and new governmental programs to learn and apply to my clients’ needs,” he said.

Marek is a member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, an organization of allied businesses that promote economic growth and opportunities. He and Quarles & Brady are also members of the chamber’s LGBT Workplace Alliance, a consortium that presents best practices for providing welcoming and fair workplaces.

“George Marek has been an integral part of helping the firm create a more diverse and inclusive workplace over the years, and serves as a shining example to our younger attorneys of what can be accomplished,” said Zelenovskiy.