EXCERPT:
How does your firm work to help advance diversity in the legal profession?
Kim Walberg: Taft has a robust Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by diverse attorneys. We are Mansfield Rule-certified by the Diversity Lab, which means we affirmatively consider at least 30 percent women, lawyers of color, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities, and senior lateral positions. We appointed a mentor/champion panel of lawyers, including our Managing Partner, who advocate for our diverse lawyers. We partner with Dr. Arin Reeves of Nextions, which provides assessments, strategic advising, workshops, training, and other programs in the fields of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and improving workplace cultures. We also host an annual diversity retreat featuring timely content and an opportunity for our diverse lawyers to share perspectives in a safe space.