Submitted by krichardson on
At Williams Mullen, we understand that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes us better at what we do – serving our clients and our communities. We are committed to employing a diverse workforce that is inclusive of race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, nationality, age, disability and marital and parental status, Veterans status, thoughts and ideas.
Our business model and strategic plan are reflective of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to foster an environment where individuals have the opportunity to succeed professionally and contribute meaningfully to top-notch service to our clients and our community.
Our diverse and inclusive atmosphere includes both internal and external programs and initiatives. Our diversity and inclusion efforts are spearheaded by our Diversity & Inclusion Committee and affinity groups (Attorneys of Color, LGBTQ+ Initiative and Women’s Initiative).
Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Our standing Diversity & Inclusion Committee is comprised of both attorneys and professional staff and includes seven members of our board of directors. The Committee seeks innovative and meaningful ways to enhance diversity and inclusion through the establishment of annual goals. Our Diversity & Inclusion Committee is especially proud that one of our employees serves as a voting member of the American National Standards Institute Society for Human Resource Management Taskforce developing diversity and inclusion standards. The Committee continually emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the firm’s recruiting, retention, mentoring, leadership development, training and community outreach.
Our Attorneys of Color affinity group exists to encourage the professional development and success of our minority attorneys. This diverse community engages in internal and external activities that promote personal relationships and professional networks intended to support and enhance their overall experience with the firm.
The firm’s LGBTQ+ Initiative supports an environment that allows our LGBTQ+ employees to contribute meaningfully and to succeed professionally. The firm is proud that we received a perfect 100 on the 2022 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s premier benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. View the report here. In addition, Equality Virginia awarded the firm with Virginia Fairness Accreditation, which is awarded to corporations with policies that clearly demonstrate a commitment to the safety and well-being of their lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees. We are also proud to be an inaugural member of Equality Virginia's Virginia Competes program, which launched in May 2017. For more information, click here.
Our Women's Initiative provides a collaborative environment that promotes the success of our female attorneys. This affinity group affords opportunities for our women to network internally, gain professional development and sponsor client-focused events in our various locations throughout the year.
Below are the members of Williams Mullen's Diversity & Inclusion Committee:
