Shades of Mass Welcomes Durete Thompson as Executive Director

Shades of Mass is excited to announce that Durete Thompson has joined our organization as Executive Director, beginning an exciting new chapter in our mission to increase diversity, equity, and representation in mass tort leadership.

For years, Shades of Mass has worked to expand opportunities for Black and Brown attorneys to serve in leadership positions in multidistrict litigation (MDLs) and other civil actions. As our national impact grows, Durete brings the experience, relationships, and vision needed to further this mission.

A Proven Leader in the Legal Community

Durete brings over a decade of experience in the legal community, diversity advocacy, and strategic leadership. Through her years at the American Association for Justice (AAJ), she played a key role in developing and managing programs that shaped the next generation of diverse legal leaders. Her efforts connected attorneys with mentorship, leadership development, and professional networks that continue to strengthen the legal community.

Most recently, Durete served as Marketing Director at RebuttalPR, where she deepened her presence in the mass tort space by building and managing partnerships, sponsorships, and relationships within the very community Shades of Mass serves.

Her knowledge of the mass tort and plaintiff trial lawyer community, combined with her passion and understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding diversity in MDL leadership, makes her uniquely positioned to lead the organization into its next phase of growth.

Leading with Purpose

Durete’s work is especially meaningful because she brings direct experience to this role. She has dedicated her career to advancing inclusion in the legal profession by building relationships and championing these values. She does not need to learn the mission; she embodies it.

As Shades of Mass expands its networking opportunities, mentorship initiatives, and national conference, Durete’s leadership will help the organization’s impact across the mass tort community.

Please join the entire Shades of Mass Board and me in welcoming Durete. We are building something extraordinary, and we are glad to have her leading the way.

Navan Ward Jr.
President, Shades of Mass

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About Shades of Mass

Shades of Mass advocates for and facilitates the appointment of Black and Brown attorneys to leadership roles in federal and state-based centralized civil actions, including multidistrict litigation (MDLs). The organization advances diversity within the plaintiff bar through mentorship, advocacy, education, networking, and professional development. By connecting qualified attorneys with meaningful opportunities and increasing visibility among judges and legal leaders, Shades of Mass is helping build a more representative and equitable justice system.