Download Commitment to Diversity

Commitment to Diversity
Clark Hill PLC is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our firm, fostering a collegial and respectful working environment in which each person is
encouraged and supported to reach his or her highest potential. We recognize that utilizing the talents of people with a wide range of characteristics,
backgrounds and experiences positively impacts every aspect of our firm - first and foremost - our ability to deliver quality legal and professional services to our
clients which exceed their expectations. Understanding that a diverse workplace is critical to the firm's ongoing success, we have emphasized diversity and
inclusion in our strategic plan.
Diversity itself is an inclusive concept and encompasses a respect for and valuing of many different characteristics of our people , including but not limited to
race, religion, color, national origin, sex, veteran's status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other personal characteristic protected by
federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance. We strive to have a workplace that is comfortable and welcoming for everyone.
The Firm's Diversity and Inclusion Committee
We are committed to attract and retain a diverse population at our firm. To lead us in this commitment, we formed a Diversity and Inclusion Committee to work
with our firm leadership and recommend changes and new initiatives to improve the diversity and inclusion efforts of our firm. The representation of women and
minorities in our Firm, including management and firm leadership, has grown substantially over the years and is an important goal as we continue to implement
our strategic plan. In addition, our firm sponsors numerous events for diverse organizations and our attorneys and staff are involved in a wide array of
organizations and associations. The Firm has added domestic partnership benefits and has made modifications to parental leave, reduced work arrangements
and career-pathing, to positively impact the career prospects for our people and the retention of diverse personnel.
The thirteen members of our Firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee are diverse on many levels. The Committee is made up of over 50% women and
minorities. The members of the Committee are from different offices and areas of the Firm, including attorneys, staff, administrators and those in management
and leadership positions. The Committee meets on a regular basis and has developed a mission statement and goals, as well as sub-committees to assist in
achieving those goals.
Recruiting Diverse Attorneys
The firm increased its minority representation significantly while increasing the breadth of minority representation in a majority of our practice groups. This
progress was achieved through participation in minority recruiting events such as the Cook County Bar Association Minority Job Fair and National Black Law
Students Association Midwestern Recruitment Conference, as well as through focused lateral hiring efforts. We have increased the number of female and
openly gay attorneys and representation of minorities in leadership positions. To promote diversity in hiring, a member of our Diversity Committee also sits on
our firm’s Recruiting Committee.
Involvement in Diverse Organizations
Clark Hill’s philosophy on diversity and inclusion does not stop at the office door. Clark Hill professionals are involved in a wide variety of external activities and
associations, including charitable and volunteer organizations, bar associations and other groups to foster the success and support of minorities, and
cooperative associations that support the communities in which we work and live. Examples of these associations from our various offices include:
American Association of Retired People
Ayuda
Chicago Task Force on LGBT Aging
Detroit Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services
Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers
Lambda Legal Education and Defense Fund
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Legal Aid Defenders Association
Los Abogados
Michigan Minority Women's Network
Michigan Women Lawyers' Association
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
National Bar Association
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Native American Bar Association of Arizona
Paiute Legal Clinic
South Asian Bar Association
Swedish American Chamber of Commerce-USA, Inc.
Wolverine Bar Association
Women’s Bar Association of Illinois
Clark Hill attorneys and staff also participate in the “Clark Hill Cares” program, a community involvement effort. Through service projects and donations, Clark
Hill Cares aims to make a difference in the communities it serves, with regularly organized fundraising events, sponsorships and an official Service Day, in
which all employees and their families are invited to participate.
Additionally, Clark Hill directs a portion of its philanthropic and marketing budgets to support and sponsor minority, community, volunteer and charitable
organizations. Recent sponsorships include:
Barristers Ball
Baxter Community Center
Black Family Development, Inc.
Federation of Women Contractors
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund
Lawyers for Diversity
Michigan Community Action Agency Association
Royal Oak Women's Club
Senior Neighbors
Women’s Bar Association of Illinois
Women’s Caring Program
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