The Minority Law Journal’s 2008 “Diversity Scorecard” ranked Holland & Knight #2 in the nation for our number of minority partners and #3 for the number of Hispanic attorneys.
While we’re certainly proud of these statistics, we realize that meaningful diversity goes beyond citing high numbers and have, therefore, put diversity “in action” at our firm. By implementing diversity-related programs and initiatives, we have committed ourselves to being a leader in diversity. We go above and beyond the norm to attract, retain and promote diverse lawyers and staff.
Education Programs
Holland & Knight, through its Charitable Foundation, has established several programs to support education and celebrate diversity in our communities:
- Holland & Knight Scholarship: A fully funded scholarship at Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University (FAMU) College of Law
- Holocaust Remembrance Project: A national writing contest for high school students designed to encourage and promote the study of the Holocaust
- Young Native Writers’ Essay Contest: An essay contest for Native American high school students designed to inspire honest portrayals of the richness of Native American life and history
- Living the Dream Essay and Scholarship Program: An essay contest for high school students honoring African American heroes
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Mentoring
Lack of mentoring is often cited by women and minority associates as the reason they are dissatisfied with their work environment. To address this issue, our firm’s Diversity Partner recently implemented a Comprehensive Mentoring Program for the firm’s minority associates. Through the program, each minority associate is assigned an “Affinity Mentor” and a “Career Mentor.”
The Affinity Mentor is a senior member of the associate’s Affinity Group and provides guidance and support through shared experiences. The Career Mentor is a successful, experienced partner who takes a committed interest in helping the associate to advance by providing work, advice, professional guidance and information about all elements for success in the legal field.
Diversity Training
We implemented a major educational initiative by conducting mandatory diversity training for all lawyers and staff in each of our United States offices. We believe this to be among the most comprehensive training of its kind undertaken by a major U.S. law firm.
Communication
We understand the importance of communicating our stance on diversity to everyone at our firm. As such, the firm uses its intranet as the main portal of communication to its employees and includes regular announcements from the Diversity Partner and the Managing Partner, spotlight stories on diversity-related activities, lists of awards and information on upcoming diversity-related events.
The firm also has a separate Diversity page on its intranet site with links to diversity-related articles, contact information for Affinity Group Leaders and local office Diversity Contacts, diversity “best practices” and a diversity resources “library.”
Additionally, the Diversity Council, Affinity Groups and local office Diversity Committees meet regularly to discuss issues of importance. They are in constant contact with the Diversity Partner, who oversees the Council, Groups and Committees and ensures that the firm is achieving its diversity-related goals and objectives at all levels.
Recent Awards and Honors
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The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans, assigned Holland & Knight a “100,” or “perfect” rating on its 2008 Corporate Equality Index and Best Places to Work Survey.
- The firm named a “Best Law Firm for Women” by Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers LLC. Profiled in the August/September 2007 issue of Working Mother magazine, Holland & Knight is honored for creating a work environment that is hospitable to and encouraging of the advancement of women. “With innovative programs and policies that help female attorneys achieve balance in their personal and professional lives and thrive as practitioners, Holland & Knight is ensuring that women are the future of private law practice.”
- The firm was awarded the 2007 CREW Network Impact Award for the category of “Industry Innovator” by Commercial Real Estate Women (“CREW”). This award recognizes an organization that fosters a culture of innovation, dedication to diversity and the equal advancement of women and men in commercial real estate.
- The Minority Law Journal recently ranked Holland & Knight #2 in the nation for most minority partners and #3 for the number of Hispanic attorneys.
- Multicultural Law Magazine named Holland & Knight to its list of “100 Top Law Firms for Diversity.”
- The firm received “The Safe Haven Award” at the annual Immigration Equality Annual Benefit and Award Dinner, honoring pro bono attorneys who help win asylum for GLBT people fleeing persecution in foreign countries.
- The firm was awarded the “Michael K. Reese Quality of Life Award” by The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division in honor of the firm’s demonstrated commitment to supporting personal work-life choices, its pro bono activities, domestic partner benefits, career and professional development practices, favorable leave policies for both men and women, and community service.