Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

Diversity

At Smith, Gambrell & Russell, we recognize that attracting the widest possible array of talent enhances our ability to serve our clients and our communities. We are therefore dedicated to providing a work environment where each person is valued for his or her perspectives, skills, and talents, is treated respectfully, is able to communicate openly, and is encouraged to develop to his or her full potential as a contributor to the success of the firm and the communities we serve.

Among the principles that guide SGR’s approach to diversity management is our recognition that diversity management is simply the right thing to do. In addition, managing our diversity allows us to enhance the workplace and, in so doing, achieve competitive advantage.

In order to formalize our longstanding commitment to diversity, SGR formed in March 2006 a Diversity Council, comprised of 12 attorneys and staff members representing each of SGR’s three U.S. offices. Council membership is diverse across many attributes including gender, race and ethnicity, and sexual orientation. The Council meets regularly, including with firm management, to lead and guide the diversity management process with respect to firm policies and practices.

SGR recruits at a wide variety of law schools, including the law schools of several historically black universities. We participate in the Southeastern Minority Job Fair and the Minority Clerkship Program sponsored by the Atlanta Bar Association, and we maintain relationships with and sponsor events on behalf of minority student bar associations at local and regional law schools. But we recognize that it is not enough simply to get qualified minority law students “in the door”—instead, through formal and informal mentoring, training, and other programs, we strive to foster an environment where all of our lawyers, including minority lawyers, can flourish and build a career.

Since the summer of 2006, more than 400 attorneys and staff members in SGR’s three U.S. offices have participated in formal diversity training under the direction of Roosevelt Thomas Consulting and Training. Diversity training is now an integral part of all new-hire orientation. We also have implemented ways to encourage open communication among all who work here—for example, through participation in a diversity survey and establishment of town hall meetings where issues that implicate our differences can be aired and solutions created.

The firm’s commitment to diversity includes its offering of domestic-partner benefits, the option of a non-partnership career track, and the firm’s commitment to the Bright Horizons Day Care Center.

The firm also financially supports and sponsors attorney membership in organizations such as the Georgia Association of Black Women, the Gate City Bar Association, Atlanta Women In Business, the Atlanta Women’s Foundation, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Stonewall Bar Association.

For more information, contact Dana Richens, Diversity Partner, at
(404) 815-3659 or drichens@sgrlaw.com.

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