Firm

Minority Attorney Initiatives

Minority Attorney Retreat

The firm hosts a two-day retreat that provides a forum for collaboration among participants to openly discuss minority attorney recruitment, retention, development and promotion. Participants include firm attorneys, members of senior management, and corporate clients. The retreat’s goal is to bring together attorneys from all of our offices, domestic and international, and clients for dialogue on how diversity impacts business and career development, and to develop a roadmap for future firm goals and initiatives. The sessions are designed for optimal learning experiences and networking opportunities with colleagues and clients. The retreat provides the opportunity to learn from dynamic guest speakers, participate in panel discussions, and provide valuable feedback.

Minority Associate Connections

The Minority Associate Connections program is an associate-driven program that has two distinct goals: first, to provide in-house programs and training opportunities for our diverse associates; and second to pair our firm minority associates with firm leaders to provide mentoring, advice and guidance for strategic career growth.

Pipeline Initiatives

We believe success starts long before graduating from law school, and that the legal profession is only as strong as its next leaders. We have created initiatives aimed at exposing diverse students to the mechanics of the legal industry. The firm participates with high schools law practicum programs and mentoring programs with college pre-law students. Students have the opportunity for one-on-one and group sessions with practicing attorneys, as well as scheduled group visits to the courthouse.

“You made this program informational, but also extremely entertaining. … I just wanted to give you my thanks; the presentations have given me a better understanding of what I'd like to do in the future, and I am very grateful.”
- Pinkston's Law Practicum Student

Professional Development

Innovative Diversity and Inclusion Programs

The firm focuses on the development of a robust “pipeline to leadership” for our diverse and female attorneys by implementing diversity and inclusion programs that seek to involve all levels of leadership.

Women’s Attorney Initiatives

Women Partners’ Summit

The Summit serves as a catalyst for the development and implementation of goals to increase the representation of female attorneys in firm leadership positions. The Summit’s primary focus is to outline and develop multiple pathways for our women attorneys to reach their individual leadership potential, mentor and support one another, and provide guidance to the firm on how to achieve the leadership targets established during the Summit.

Women’s Leadership Academy

The Women’s Leadership Academy is designed to mentor, guide and coach women who are nearing partnership consideration. The focus of the Academy is on the development and advancement of our women associates, while aiming to provide a forum for participants to dialogue and learn from firm leaders.

Women’s Professional Development

Our firm hosts regular Women Attorney lunches, dinners and other events in all of our offices. These meetings provide a forum for women partners and associates to discuss various issues the attorneys may be facing at any given stage in their careers and to discuss business and career development opportunities. The firm also hosts events that bring together our women attorneys with our clients for business networking opportunities.

LGBTQ and Allies Attorney Initiatives

The LGBTQ and Allies subcommittee has a goal to help create and foster a respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees. The subcommittee has served as an instrumental resource in providing recommendations and promoting changes to the firm’s benefit policies, equal employment opportunity policy and dress code policy. Our non-discrimination policy forbids discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The subcommittee maintains an active role in the recruitment and retention of LGBTQ attorneys by participating in the annual National LGBT Bar Association’s Lavender Law Conference and Career Fair. We also support and maintain partnerships with Lambda Legal, the Houston Victory Fund, and the Dallas Black Tie Dinner.

Working Parents Initiatives

The Working Parents subcommittee is comprised of firm attorneys and staff who assist with the development of policies and programs designed to support the unique challenges of working parents. The subcommittee offers resources to working parents, ranging from expert advice on childcare issues, medical and childcare providers, to work/life balance best practices. The firm has also implemented initiatives by providing on-site accommodations, as well as email support groups devoted to working parents.

Professional Development

Women’s Attorney Initiatives

LGBTQ and Allies Attorney Initiatives

Working Parents Initiatives

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