"A commitment to diversity comes naturally to a firm built on a tradition of excellence, teamwork and mutual respect. As we become more diverse, we're better positioned to serve our clients and offer our colleagues a more interesting place to practice. It's a win-win proposition."
Tom Morgan
Partner, Corporate Law
Chairman, Management Committee
What is a culture of diversity?
Faegre & Benson defines diversity broadly to include all the different life experiences that we find in our workforce and among our clients and communities: age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, economic background and many other characteristics.
Our goals are to increase the diversity of our workforce and to provide an inclusive environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. We place a particular focus on increasing our representation of women, people of different races and ethnicity and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender (GLBT) individuals. We aim to recruit and retain a diverse team, and to advance their careers and fulfill their leadership potential.
How do we achieve diversity?
We strive to incorporate our diversity efforts into the daily practice of the firm.
Andrew Humphrey, a member of our management committee, serves as Diversity Partner to provide top-level accountability for the results of our diversity efforts. A thirteen-member Diversity Committee directs our firm-wide diversity programs and works collaboratively to assure that our policies, events, and business models reflect our values and commitment. Two Diversity Coordinators provide staff support for all of these efforts.
Also key to our diversity initiatives are the individual efforts of lawyers and staff throughout the firm, who demonstrate personal leadership on diversity issues both internally and in their work with clients, the legal profession and the community. Download our firm-wide Strategic Plan for Diversity:
How do we measure success?
We focus on results, not just good intentions. While we believe we have come a long way in creating a culture of diversity, we know that there is much work to be done not only in building a diverse workforce, but also in helping diverse individuals achieve their potential within the firm. With these elements in mind, we are particularly proud of the diverse lawyers who have made partner at the firm by progressing through the associate ranks.