Think. Live. Engage. Promoting Diversity and Embracing Inclusion

Transcription

1 Think. Live. Engage. Promoting Diversity and Embracing Inclusion

2 Think. Live. Engage. Promoting Diversity and Embracing Inclusion A Thoughtful Discussion on Diversity with Frank Merrill, Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair 2 At Bricker & Eckler, we characterize the real value of diversity and inclusion as the unique ability to think differently. We know diversity in backgrounds, experiences and perspectives enriches the quality of our work. Our differences enable us to evaluate problems in our clients industries from a fresh viewpoint and Thinking Differently Our Diversity & Inclusion Committee 3 to be creative and collaborative in our approach. We have a strong history of groundbreaking diversity. Before it was fashionable among law firms, we were: Living the Commitment Learning from Leaders in Our Corner Office Conversations 4 The first central Ohio majority-owned law firm to hire an African-American attorney; The first central Ohio majority-owned law firm to elect an African-American attorney to the partnership; and The first central Ohio majority-owned law firm to elect an African-American woman to the partnership. Challenging the Status Quo A Look at Diversity through Art Promoting Diversity & Inclusion Walker Link Leadership Group 5 6 At the firm, we also have a strong record of hiring and empowering women and minorities as leaders at the executive committee level, as practice group leaders and as managers. And yet, Bricker & Eckler doesn t stop with gathering diverse talent. We have always strived to cultivate a culture where our people are valued for their contributions to the firm and its clients. We are committed to inclusion, the proactive behaviors and culture that make every attorney and staff member in the firm feel welcomed, engaged and appreciated for their contributions. Empowering Women Women in Networking (WIN) Group Valuing Differences Our Talent Retention and Recruitment Efforts 7 It is these efforts and accomplishments we highlight in this report. BRICKER & ECKLER S DIVERSITY & INCLUSION POLICY Spreading Diversity & Inclusion Our Community Involvement/Engagement Looking Ahead Moving Beyond Traditional Diversity Strategies At Bricker & Eckler, we believe our commitment to excellence is synonymous with our commitment to diversity and inclusion in all its forms. This commitment requires thoughtful, deliberate and sustained action: If we are to maximize our abilities as a law firm, we must be more diverse We believe our people, and all the differences among us, are the tremendous asset that is at the core of our success. We seek to treat people fairly and equally no matter what makes them unique, such as their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status; we seek to and inclusive. Our commitment must be more embrace multiple perspectives, backgrounds and than stated; it must be demonstrated in our work interests in all facets of our community; we seek to with one another, with our clients, and with our cultivate an environment in which each individual community. feels safe, respected and valued. 1

3 Think. A Thoughtful Discussion on Diversity Think Differently Frank Merrill Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair Our Diversity & Inclusion Committee Bricker & Eckler has a long history of setting the pace when it comes to diversity and inclusion. As a firm, we agree that embracing different perspectives, experiences and talents is the best way to serve our clients. We recognize it is simply not enough to have a diverse workforce inclusion is also vital. People who feel comfortable, appreciated and valued in their workplace tend to perform better and feel more connected to the goals of the organization. Great leaders do not follow a blueprint. They each approach tasks in their own way. It is their ability to think differently that sets them apart and enables them to create change. Building a diverse and inclusive culture requires innovative leaders who have a collaborative spirit. Our Diversity & Inclusion Committee members understand the importance of raising awareness, informing and empowering our people, and creating connections with external organizations to encourage diversity and inclusion. In this report, we have highlighted the internal programs that help us create a welcoming, inclusive culture within our firm and the external partnerships through which we engage and support the community and share with others the value of diversity and inclusion. It is our goal to effect change, not only within our firm, but also in the legal profession in our communities and across the country. There s always more work to do, but we are proud of our efforts and accomplishments. Throughout this report, you will see other exam- Frank Merrill, Chair Jerry Allen Melissa Martinez Bondy Laura Bowman Alexander Brown ples of the way our organization thinks differently. Thank you for taking time to learn more. Frank Merrill, Chair Diversity & Inclusion Committee Drew Campbell David Conrad Michael Corey Sommer Sheely Kurtis Tunnell Managing Partner 3

4 Live. Living the Commitment Challenging the Status Quo Learning from Leaders in Our Corner Office Conversations A Look at Diversity through Art Corner Office Conversations is a quarterly series in which we host diverse and dynamic leaders from around the state to talk to our attorneys about their perspectives on leadership and their business. Corner Office Conversations is part of Bricker & Eckler s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as the mentoring of attorneys to broaden their perspectives and enhance our ability to serve our clients. During these intimate and informal conversations, our lawyers gather to hear general counsel, CEOs, other C-suite executives, and public officials share their stories, personal challenges and professional lessons learned during their careers. Our guests share their unique perspectives on diversity and inclusion, whether through their career path or their organization s commitment. Our attorneys are engaged and inquisitive. The power of art is undeniable. Bricker & Eckler has a long history of supporting the arts community as well as promoting diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We believe that the diversity of perspectives experienced through the visual arts in the workplace increases creativity, fosters dialogue, broadens appreciation, and enhances team morale. This past year we were able to successfully unite our passion for art with our commitment to diversity and inclusion by hosting our first-ever curated art exhibit. Sponsored by the firm s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, the exhibit proudly showcased works created by diverse local artists. On display for several months in the common areas of our Columbus headquarters were paintings, sculptures and other visual art with which a wide variety of our people, clients and guests could connect. Whether featured speakers discuss client service, managing legal costs or capitalizing on career growth opportunities, the real benefit of the Corner Office Conversations is the inside look our attorneys receive into the everyday challenges faced by these leaders. We are proud of this series and are grateful to the 16 community leaders who have shared their insights with us so far. We look forward to continuing to learn from and engage with our guests through this series. Through our experience as lawyers, and from our understanding of all the scientific research on the subject, we know a work environment that embraces our differences makes us better problem solvers, better service providers, and better colleagues. MICHAEL COREY HEALTH CARE 4 5

5 Engage. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Empowering Women Walker Link Leadership Group Women in Networking (WIN) Group Diversity and inclusion are a driving force for our firm s future and an important part of our history. Two critical hiring decisions our first African-American partner Charles Walker and our first African-American female partner Joyce Link inspired the creation of the firm s Walker Link Leadership Group, an affinity initiative that strives to promote opportunities and enhance the quality of work life for African-American lawyers at Bricker & Eckler and throughout the broader legal community. One of the highlights of the Walker Link Leadership Group s year is its sponsorship of the second annual Corporate Counsel Summit. This day-long summit provided a forum for more than 75 in-house counsel to share best practices and perspectives on a variety of topics including supporting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, tackling employment and compliance issues in their organizations, and capitalizing on career growth opportunities. This event is the first of its kind and attracts a diverse group of in-house counsel at all levels of the profession. The Walker Link Leadership Group also works to identify and promote community organizations and events Bricker & Eckler should support, such as the John Mercer Langston Bar Association, the David D. White Scholarship of Capital University Law School, the Columbus Urban League, and the King Arts Complex, to name a few. Additionally, the group assists with recruitment and helps encourage the best and brightest lawyers, law students and staff to consider Bricker & Eckler as a place to work. At Bricker & Eckler, we have a longstanding history of electing women and minorities to leadership positions. Our Women in Networking (WIN) group celebrates and encourages the talents, attributes and experiences that our women attorneys bring to the firm. WIN also provides opportunities for professional women to network in mutually beneficial ways and to support the needs of women and families in our communities. The group holds events twice a year, allowing lawyers, clients and friends of the firm to support area charities and to foster professional relationships with other local businesswomen. Through the group s efforts, we also support the involvement of women lawyers on boards, in community organizations such as Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD) and in mentoring opportunities. WIN s events in 2014 supported the Children s Hunger Alliance and the Columbus Metropolitan Library Homework Help Centers. As a longstanding member of Walker Link, I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to get to know and work with so many talented attorneys. I am especially proud of the Corporate Counsel Summit; here we have been able to expand our sharing of D&I values with others in the legal community. The responses we ve received have made this endeavor all worthwhile. JERRY ALLEN TAXATION AND NON-PROFIT Our WIN group provides tremendous opportunities for us to share with our colleagues all of the thoughts and ideas of some very smart women! And we are not just sharing ideas about building and sustaining our practices, but on juggling life and providing meaningful mutual support to one another. MELISSA MARTINEZ BONDY EDUCATION LAW 6 7

6 Engage. Valuing Differences Our Talent Retention and Recruitment Efforts At Bricker & Eckler, we strive to create an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the viewpoints and diverse backgrounds of our lawyers and professionals. We offer a variety of programs to ensure the culture within our firm and the legal community as a whole promotes diversity and embraces inclusion. Mentoring and Training Our mentoring and training program unites the generations of lawyers working at Bricker & Eckler. All associates are assigned at least two partner mentors who assist with career and skill development. Our lawyers receive additional support through the firm s participation in the Supreme Court of Ohio s Lawyerto-Lawyer Mentoring Program. In 2014, we held a mandatory training for all attorneys and staff on implicit bias with one of the nation s leading experts on the topic, Dr. Arin Reeves of Nextions. Work/Life Balance Our attorneys have a number of alternative work arrangements to help balance their careers, community involvement and personal lives. We offer job-share arrangements, schedule alternatives and a Part-Time Partner Track Associate policy. 8 By valuing diversity and inclusion, Bricker has supported me in developing my reputation throughout my community, including encouraging me to participate in the Greater Cincinnati Minority Counsel Program (GCMCP). This organization has been a great platform for me. I have interacted with general counsels and assistant general counsels of national and multinational corporations. Participating in the GCMCP has given me the drive and confidence to move forward in writing a book on business practices. PRAMILA KAMATH LITIGATION Recruitment and Pipeline Programs Participating in pipeline initiatives allows us to help aspiring law students from all backgrounds fulfill their career goals. Our efforts in 2014 include: Our Charles H. Walker Scholarship, a $10,000 scholarship and a spot in the firm s Summer Associate Program. Participation in the Columbus Bar Association s Minority Clerkship Program and the American Bar Association s Business Law Section mentoring program. Recruiting from a variety of career fairs that attract diverse candidates. Leading the Way Hosting two interns through the Supreme Court of Ohio s Law and Leadership Institute to help increase minority law school enrollment. Partnering with Nationwide Insurance to support the Street Law Inc. Corporate Legal Diversity Program with diverse local high schools. Hosting an intern through the Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL) program in Cincinnati. In 2014, our people have been recognized for their efforts in promoting diversity in the profession and their community, as well as for achieving excellence in their careers: Ali Haque, in our Litigation group, is a board member and the current treasurer of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association s Central Ohio Chapter (APABA-CO). Pramila Kamath, a Litigation attorney, is creating an exploratory group to establish a southern Ohio chapter of APABA. She is also a board member for the Greater Cincinnati Minority Counsel program (GCMCP). Melissa Martinez Bondy, an attorney in our Education Law group, is helping explore the establishment of a Central Ohio chapter of the Hispanic National Bar Association. Tamika Martin, our firm s IT Support Manager, participated in the United Way of Central Ohio s Project Diversity Program, a leadership training program to prepare people of color for effective service on nonprofit boards or in leadership positions. Katherine Spies Giumenti, an attorney in our Employment & Labor group and co-chair of our Women in Networking group, served as Bricker & Eckler s representative to the 2014 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Fellows Program. She is pictured here with Marie-Joëlle Khouzam, our 2015 Fellow. 9

7 Engage. Spreading Diversity & Inclusion Our Community Engagement We collaborate with a broad range of community organizations that value diversity and inclusion as much as we do. The Bricker & Eckler Diversity & Inclusion Committee supports many associations and organizations including: The firm s Walker Link Leadership Group supports a variety of organizations that promote African Americans in the legal profession and the community: The Capital University Law School s David In addition to the charitable causes supported by The Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) in its efforts to expand the hiring, promotion and retention of minority lawyers in corporate legal departments and law firms. The Greater Cincinnati Minority Counsel Program (GCMCP) as it increases the amount, value and significance of corporate legal work performed by minority lawyers. The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), an organization of more than 200 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners who have dedicated themselves to creating a truly diverse U.S. legal profession, including the LCLD Fellows program. The Asian Pacific Bar Association of Central Ohio in its efforts to promote professional development, leadership, advocacy and community involvement by and among Asian Pacific lawyers and law students in Central Ohio. Exploratory efforts to establish a Central Ohio chapter of the Hispanic National Bar Association, and a southern Ohio chapter of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association. The Ohio Women s Bar Foundation Leadership Institute in its efforts to increase the number of women attaining positions of power in the legal profession. White Scholarship Endowment. The John Mercer Langston Bar Association, Ohio s affiliate member of the National Bar Association. In-kind and financial support for the local chapter of the National Black Law Students Association, a nationwide organization formed to promote the needs and goals of black law students. Columbus cultural treasure The King Arts Complex, which provides performing, cultural and educational programs that highlight the contributions of African-Americans to the culture and history of America and the world. its events, the Women in Networking (WIN) group regularly supports organizations that empower and encourage women. These include: Ohio Women s Bar Association and Foundation. Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD). The Women s Fund of Central Ohio. YWCA Columbus. Women s Small Business Accelerator. Bricker & Eckler is one of the original participating firms in the Columbus Bar Association s Managing Partners Diversity Initiative, a unique collaboration launched in 2001 by 22 law firms, the Columbus Bar Association, the John Mercer Langston Bar Association, the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and Capital University Law School. The firm s managing partner Kurt Tunnell has chaired the initiative since

8 Looking Ahead Moving Beyond Traditional Diversity Strategies While we have steadily improved our diversity retention and recruitment strategies over the years, we have more work to do. At Bricker & Eckler, we realize that promoting diversity and achieving an inclusive culture is an ongoing effort that requires continued support from our firm s leadership and an unwavering commitment from our lawyers and staff to promote diversity and embrace inclusion. As we look ahead, we remain confident in our ability to move beyond the traditional diversity strategies and develop innovative and forward-thinking initiatives to achieve inclusiveness. Think. Live. Engage. 12

9 Bricker & Eckler is one of Ohio s leading law firms. We are large enough to provide effective and sophisticated counsel across a wide variety of industries and areas of practice, while also giving clients highly personalized service and access to our most experienced attorneys. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of health care, insurance, banking and financial services, energy, public sector law and the needs of businesses in our region and beyond.