Overview
(August 8, 2019, Washington, DC) — Steptoe & Johnson LLP is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Annual Report. The report, presented by the firm's Diversity & Inclusion Committee, provides an overview of Steptoe's Diversity & Inclusion efforts, highlights, and accomplishments from the past year.
"At Steptoe, we believe that our diversity and inclusion efforts are not just about the firm. They are about our clients, our communities, and the legal profession as a whole," said Steptoe Chair and Diversity Co-Chair Phil West. "We take pride in our diversity program and believe our commitment to diversity is truly a defining characteristic of our firm."
West, along with Diversity Co-Chairs Joe Caldwell and Markham Erickson, stated: "Over the past century, our firm has grown to more than 500 lawyers and professionals in eight offices around the world. As we continue our global expansion, we recognize the strength in our diversity and remain committed to ensuring inclusion as a fundamental part of our DNA. While no report can capture Steptoe's spirit of inclusion and commitment to diversity, this report will offer some highlights from the past year. We look forward to building upon this work together with our colleagues and clients."
Highlights from the past year include the following:
- The launch of Steptoe's Talent Sponsorship Program. In February, Steptoe announced the launch of its Talent Sponsorship Program, a voluntary program designed for diverse associates at the firm to enhance and expand upon the professional development opportunities that all associates receive. The program pairs experienced partner sponsors with associate protégés to foster relationships and professional development, and to provide professional guidance.
- The creation of the Legal Diversity & Inclusion Alliance. At the beginning of 2019, Steptoe co-founded the Legal Diversity & Inclusion Alliance, a Brussels-based organization committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace in which everyone benefits from equal treatment and opportunities. To date, 44 law firms in Belgium have joined the alliance.
- The innovative partnership with the Ron Brown Scholars Program. Steptoe continues to host a Ron Brown Scholar each year via the legal intern program it established with the Ron Brown Scholars Program. During the 10-week long summer program, the scholar works directly alongside Steptoe's diverse lawyers, where the intern is exposed to high-level legal matters in various practice areas, and attends closings, depositions, hearings, oral arguments, trials, negotiations and board meetings.
- The participation in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. For the third consecutive year, Steptoe received the "Top Performer" award from the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, and annually sends a partner and an associate to participate in LCLD's Fellow and Pathfinder programs.
Via Steptoe's Diversity & Inclusion Annual Report, readers can find pictures from the many events held at the firm's offices to celebrate the varying cultures of the firm's lawyers and professionals, and to honor and commemorate historical events and movements. Additionally, readers can learn more about the trainings and discussions held throughout the year to explore issues such as unconscious bias, the art of constructive feedback, internal communication, and inclusion.
Steptoe's diversity reflects a broad cross-section of the firm, which is recognized in the firm's affinity groups: Asian Lawyers, Black Lawyers, Latin Lawyers, Steptoe Pride, and the Women's Forum.
Click here to download the Steptoe Diversity & Inclusion Annual Report.
About Steptoe
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, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.