Black History Month Spotlight Series: Rick Copeland

As part of our Black History Month celebration, we’ve asked our colleagues to reflect on the significance of this month.

Cleary Gottlieb’s Director of Operations for the Americas Rick Copeland shares some of his thoughts below.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Cleary.

I serve as Director of Operations–Americas, working across offices to support the people and systems that keep the firm running smoothly. My background has shaped a very practical, people-centered approach to leadership—one grounded in accountability, respect, and consistency. I’m most motivated by helping teams work better together and creating environments where people can perform at a high level.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a moment to recognize that Black history is inseparable from world history. It’s a time to reflect honestly on how the experiences of Black people—across countries, cultures, and generations—have shaped institutions, economies, and ideas we often take for granted today. For me, it matters because it creates space not just for celebration but for truth: Acknowledging how access, opportunity, and power have been unevenly distributed, and understanding that history is essential to building inclusion, belonging, and real progress.

Has your identity impacted how you approach your work and career?

Yes, very much so. My experiences have made me especially aware of how it feels to navigate spaces where you may not be fully represented. Because of that, I tend to lead with clarity, fairness, and consistency. I believe people do their best work when expectations are clear and when they know they are being treated with respect.

Are there any leaders, activists, writers/artists, professionals, or family members who have inspired you?

I draw inspiration from people who live their values in consistent ways. My time in the military had a lasting impact on how I approach discipline, accountability, and teamwork. Travel has also shaped me deeply—it’s reinforced the importance of respecting different cultures and perspectives. I admire people across the world, in my family and beyond, who lead with integrity, humility, and respect for others.

When you’re underrepresented in your chosen field, why is it important to have mentors and sponsors who are invested in you and your career? 

Mentors provide guidance and perspective, but sponsors help open doors. When you’re navigating systems that weren’t always built with you in mind, having someone who sees your potential and is willing to advocate for you can be incredibly powerful. That kind of investment builds confidence and creates momentum.

What are the benefits of joining an affinity group at Cleary?

For me, affinity groups create a sense of community and shared understanding that can be hard to find in large organizations. I joined the SEASAME affinity group because it aligned with my values and offered a space for open conversation and mutual support. I also support WWG simply because it’s the right thing to do. Showing up across communities matters—progress happens when we support one another, not just our own. Affinity groups give us a way to listen, learn, and build a workplace rooted in respect.

Are there any programs at Cleary that you have been part of that have contributed to your professional journey and feeling included at the firm?

I chose to participate in the Keep Company coaching cohort because I value support that is practical and human. It created space to reflect, listen, and learn alongside others carrying real responsibilities outside the office. For me, inclusion shows up in moments like that—when support is offered in ways that respect both our professional commitments and our personal lives.

What is your favorite thing about working in the legal industry, and why did you choose to work at Cleary?

What I value most about the legal industry is its emphasis on standards, preparation, and accountability. That kind of environment allows people to earn trust through their work. Over time at Cleary, those same principles have made it possible to grow, take on more responsibility, and contribute in different ways, which is what has kept me here.

Is there anything I haven’t asked you about that you would want to share with the Cleary community?

What I would add is this: Listening matters, speaking up matters, and action matters most. Words shape culture, but it’s our decisions and follow-through that signal what we truly value. Real support shows up not just in what we say, but in what we are willing to stand behind and act on.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer/firm. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice.