The differences among our people and our experiences, and the inclusion and belonging we aim to achieve, are critical factors in Steptoe's success. We believe that our differences make us stronger, smarter, and more innovative, and that our culture of inclusion and collaboration amplifies our capabilities to the benefit of our clients. We believe that an inclusive culture is grounded in putting clients first, collaborating closely across practices and offices, supporting each other, and performing at high levels. Excellence in the practice of law and across our business services knows no racial, ethnic, gender, identity, sexual orientation, disability, lived experience, marital status, religious beliefs, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, political views, or other such boundaries. We reject discrimination, prejudice, and bigotry of all kinds.
We strive to create an environment in which all of our lawyers and professionals can develop, and participate in the development of, an inclusive and productive workplace community. We are dedicated to recruiting, hiring, retaining, promoting and celebrating the most qualified lawyers and colleagues from all backgrounds, with diverse experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to support career paths that enhance and maximize individual and team strengths, in the long run as well as the short term.
Leadership
In more than 100 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. We are diverse in practices, industries, geographies, and people.
Our long-standing dedication to inclusivity is a crucial component of Steptoe's success. The firm's management, office, practice group, and business services leadership represents a diversity of backgrounds as well, in terms of gender, identity, race, ethnicity, lived experience, socioeconomic status, and political views. We believe that our differences make us stronger, smarter, and more innovative, and that our culture of inclusion and collaboration amplifies our capabilities to the benefit of our clients.
Affinity Groups
Steptoe has six affinity groups whose membership and participation is open to all of our lawyers or professional colleagues, including The Women's Forum, The Pride Affinity Group, the Latin American Lawyers Affinity Group, Black Lawyers Affinity Group, MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) Lawyers Affinity Group, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Lawyers Affinity Group. The groups work to promote networking and educational opportunities for colleagues with shared interests.