■ Diversity , Equity & Inclusion
Continued From Page 16 Listening to different viewpoints from those
with diverse backgrounds fosters robust idea exchanges , more creative solutions and ultimately better decisions . Diversity is also a bedrock principle of our collegial firm culture . Accordingly , we employ innovative ways to recruit , mentor and promote the next generation of legal leaders , and roughly one-half of our attorney hires in the past five years have been diverse . The best innovation comes from inclusive work environments that foster diverse ideas , nurture diverse talent and create strong relationships with diverse communities .
Cullen and Dykman LLP By Dina Vespia , Esq ., Chair , Diversity & Inclusion Committee
At Cullen and Dykman , we believe quality legal advice is strengthened by diverse perspectives . We are committed to delivering on this promise to our clients and achieving a workplace culture that reflects the richly multifaceted communities in which we live and work . Through the ongoing initiatives of our Diversity and Inclusion Committee , we have created several new pathways into the firm for law students dedicated to advancing diversity in the legal profession . And we are focused on ensuring all
employees — attorneys and staff — are supported and have opportunities for advancement within the firm . We are invested in this work and are always looking for ways to make progress — it ’ s more important than ever .
Fox Rothschild LLP By Kimberly Bullock Gatling , Esq ., Partner , Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Our approach to diversity and inclusion aligns with our overall firm business strategy : to continually become a better version of who we already are . We are , and have always been , committed to a more just and equal world . With an intensified commitment to actively and directly improving diversity , equity and inclusion within our firm and the profession , we implemented a number of initiatives in 2020 : formalizing a Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer role that reports directly to the Firmwide Managing Partner to spearhead the firm ’ s DEI efforts ; creating a pro bono program to partner with organizations throughout the country to assist and support black communities ; and launching The Fox Fellowship , our Diversity Fellowship Program open to qualified first-year law students who are members of groups who have been historically underrepresented in the legal profession . And in 2021 , we are implementing intensive DEI training for our firm leadership . We have plans for a firmwide assessment of our culture and our employee experience ; partnerships with firm clients on DEI efforts ; strategies to enhance DEI in recruitment , retention and talent cultivation ; creation of affinity groups ; DEI education and training for attorneys and staff ; and much more .
Gibbons P . C . By Robert L . Johnson , Esq ., Chief Diversity Officer
The intersection of diversity and client service at Gibbons is best exemplified in our newest pro bono partnership with the “ Small Businesses Need Us ” initiative of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership , to assist women and minority small business owners impacted by the pandemic . Volunteers with various specialties required for day-to-day business operations , including legal services , form cross-functional teams are matched with participating businesses . Gibbons attorneys assist various women- and minority-owned enterprises in wide-ranging areas of law . More broadly , we have always recognized the distinct value diversity and inclusion add to client service . Diversity expands the range of perspectives , cultural competencies and talents we can offer to clients , increas-
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