Des Moines (22-January-2010) - Faegre & Benson has been selected for a 2009 Chinese Association of Iowa Achievement Award.

The firm will receive the Corporate Leadership Award in February 2010 at an awards ceremony in Clive, Iowa. The award recognizes Faegre & Benson attorneys for excellence in their profession, as well as leadership and commitment in their respective communities and diversity initiatives.

As a major community organization, the Chinese Association of Iowa believes that it is essential to identify and honor "role models" who inspire the community, especially the younger generation.

"Receiving a 2009 Iowa Chinese Achievement Award is a wonderful validation of our commitments as a firm," said Faegre & Benson attorney Jennifer Williams Zwagerman. "Embracing diversity is good for our firm, for our community and for business everywhere."

In 1990, Faegre & Benson became the first national law firm to establish an office in Des Moines. The Des Moines office serves the growing needs of the vibrant and diverse Iowa economy. In addition, the office addresses the legal needs of Iowa businesses with international operations as well as the Iowa business needs of companies based in or operating from Europe and Asia in collaboration with the firm's offices in Minneapolis, Colorado, London, and Shanghai.

Faegre & Benson has maintained an office in Shanghai since 2001. The China practice team has extensive experience advising U.S. and European clients on entering the China business environment, as well as on investment, trade and commercial matters throughout the Greater China region. The experienced team of professionals offers practical advice, useful experience and help with navigating the uncertainties and risks associated with entering the challenging and complex China market. In addition to providing legal counsel, the firm helps clients navigate the myriad registration and approval requirements facing businesses operating in China.

Faegre & Benson is deeply committed to the communities in which its employees live and work. It has a tradition of public service to the community, and that tradition continues today in each of the firm's offices. The firm strongly encourages its lawyers and staff to participate in community activities, including volunteering with legal service, social service, environmental, educational, civic, religious and other community organizations.