Overview
At Locke Lord, diversity and inclusion are integral parts of our strategic plan for success. In order to have a healthy, successful workplace and provide clients with the highest quality representation, our attorneys and staff must be free to be themselves. To that end, the environment must not only be free of all forms of discrimination, but also celebrate the broadest possible spectrum of viewpoints, perspectives and backgrounds.
We celebrate individuality and promote discussion of diversity. We support organizations that share our commitment to diversity with our time and our funds. Our diversity is broad-based and stems from varying ethnicities, races, genders, sexual orientations, languages, nationalities and religions. All of these factors aid us as we strive for a workplace where attorneys can thrive as legal practitioners and genuinely enjoy the company of their colleagues.
The firm has looked inward at any barriers to the retention of women, people of color and gay and lesbian attorneys. In conjunction with this process, we have participated in training and engaged in honest discourse regarding these issues. The firm continues its strong commitment to diversifying its ranks in order to operate a superior law firm.
Recognition of Locke Lord's Involvement
Firm Awards
- Locke Lord was awarded the Corporate Achievement DiversityFIRST Award from the Texas Diversity Council in June 2010, the only law firm to receive such honor.
- The firm was selected in January 2007 as one of the “Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity” by Multicultural Law Magazine.
In 2005 and 2006, Locke Lord’s Austin office received an “A+” for its diversity efforts from the Hispanic Bar Association of Austin, the Austin Black Lawyers Association and the Austin Asian American Bar Association.
- In September 2002, our Los Angeles office won the Thomas L. Sager Award, presented by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) to law firms that have demonstrated sustained commitment to improving the hiring, retention and promotion of diverse attorneys. This award is given to firms that have adopted diversity as part of their strategic business plan and have implemented programs that have the support of top management. We are honored to have received this prestigious award not only as an affirmation of our successes, but as a challenge to continue as a leader among law firms in the area of diversity.
Individual Awards
- Jerry Clements, our Firm Chair, was honored in April 2010 as one of the “Most Powerful and Influential Women” in Texas at the Texas Diversity and Leadership Conference.
- Shonn Brown, the co-chair of our National Diversity Committee, was also recognized at the Texas Diversity and Leadership Conference as a member of the Multicultural Power 100. The Multicultural Power 100 was designed to recognize individuals of color who have made a difference through their achievements and who exemplify excellence in their respective fields.
Looking Forward
While we are proud of our efforts and achievements thus far, we are aware that we continue to have work ahead of us. More than anything, we recognize that we cannot reach our goals without learning and listening.