■ Diversity , Equity & Inclusion
Continued From Page 20 developing opportunities for employees to connect and engage around diversity and equity programming , fundraising for community organizations and unique cultural experiences . In particular , the Committee spearheaded a mandatory firmwide program — the Diversity , Equity and Inclusion Learning Lab , paired with “ Dismantling Racism ” Breakout Sessions , co-hosted by the Committee and the organizational equity consultancy , Equity Quotient . The Learning Lab focused on what organizations can do to create a more equitable workplace and provided employees the opportunity to discuss the concepts presented while sharing their own experiences and getting to know each other on a deeper level . The Committee has created a variety of fundraisers which have helped to highlight the firm ’ s collective vision to support those in need , especially in the communities we serve . Over the past two years , these fundraisers have raised more than $ 45,000 for such outstanding organizations as the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice , Broadway for Arts Education and Community FoodBank of New Jersey .
Fox Rothschild LLP By Kimberly Bullock Gatling , Esq ., Partner , Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Fox Rothschild is committed to a more just and equitable world and understands that providing the high caliber legal services clients have come to expect requires professionals with diverse backgrounds , experiences and perspectives . In service of these principles , Fox Rothschild hired its first Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer , is developing a firmwide diversity and inclusion strategy and conducted anti-unconscious bias training for all supervisors . The firm has also expanded its pro bono programs to better reach underserved communities , upped its support of nonprofits pursuing civil rights reform and enhanced its 1L Diversity Fellowship to reach more eligible
22 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Tassil
Diversity is one piece of the puzzle that builds customer and staff loyalty and retention .
law students . Accountability is essential , so Fox Rothschild has enrolled in Diversity Lab ’ s Inclusion Blueprint and Mansfield 5.0 Certification programs to create benchmarks and measure its progress on these goals . Accordingly , the firm has pledged that at least 30 percent of candidates for leadership and governance roles , promotions and client pitch opportunities will come from underrepresented groups . It will also provide lawyers with 50 hours of billable credit for meaningful contributions to diversity and inclusion efforts . At the grassroots level , three in-house committees — the Diversity , LGBTQ & Allies and Women ’ s initiatives — provide critical guidance and help keep the firm on track in these efforts .
Gibbons P . C . By Robert L . Johnson , Esq ., Chief Diversity Officer
The Gibbons Diversity and Women ’ s Initiatives exemplify the firm ’ s efforts to create a more diverse attorney workforce and promote diversity awareness . Examples of our DEI efforts include : ( 1 ) creating GDI-123 , our
A study from consultant McKinsey and Co . in partnership with the Women ’ s Forum for the Economy and Society noted that companies with a higher percentage of women in top management have better financial performance .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Stígur Már Karlsson / Heimsmyndir
supplier diversity program , which addresses the objectives of various constituencies in the vendor / client relationship , engages clients and provides women- and minority-owned businesses and law firms procurement and other strategic business opportunities ; ( 2 ) participating in the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership ’ s pro bono partnership , “ Small Businesses Need Us ,” which assists minority / women-owned small business owners impacted by COVID- 19 . Through this program , our attorneys have counseled many small minority / women-owned enterprises on numerous legal issues ; and ( 3 ) working with longtime client , New Jersey Community Capital ( NJCC ), in structuring a joint venture with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey ( AACCNJ ) to financially assist Black business enterprises ( BBEs ). This venture is the largest-scale partnership between a community development financial institution and a NJ-based Chamber of Commerce to direct capital to small BBEs . Gibbons connected NJCC with AACCNJ , then structured a joint venture transaction . The venture , called the Equitable Small Business Initiative , is a multi-million-dollar fund created to make loans to BBEs and provide them with the resources necessary to expand their business operations .
Jackson Lewis , P . C . By Kimya S . P . Johnson , Esq ., Principal , Chief Diversity , Equity and Inclusion Officer
Diversity , equity and inclusion ( DEI ) is a significant priority at Jackson Lewis , and it remains a core value as the firm expands . To ensure progress throughout every level of the firm , we challenge every employee to be purposeful about DEI , as our programs and initiatives focus on intentionality . Highlights of our DEI programs and initiatives include a formalized election process to our Board , ensuring we have the broadest diversity in senior leadership
Continued On Page 24
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / SeventyFour