Creating a More Inclusive Workplace
In 2002, Warner Norcross & Judd retained a nationally recognized diversity consultant in a year-long process in which we evaluated our firm and its culture and developed strategies to improve diversity and become a more inclusive workplace. We continue to implement those strategies and to evaluate the need for new initiatives. As one example, the Firm holds firm-wide events designed to increase awareness and conversation about diversity and inclusiveness. The Firm has recently sponsored or is organizing the following firm-wide events:
A one-man show for members of the Firm and key clients and community leaders on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The show was performed by Dr. Michael Fowlin, an African-American actor and clinical psychologist from Morristown, New Jersey. (The Firm also sponsored two performances by Dr. Fowlin of his school-focused diversity presentation to the Grand Rapids Public Schools.)
Lunch-and-learn presentations on topics of interest, including:
- "African-Americans in the Furniture City," presented by Dr. Randal Jelks of Calvin College.
- "A Primer on Islam," presented by WNJ associate Homayune Ghaussi.
- "Generations in the Workplace," presented by Senior Counsel Steve Palazzolo and associate Amanda Fielder.
- "Asia Business Practice - Bridging Cultures," presented by partner Andrew Thorson.
Private screenings of movies on important racial topics, such as Crash, Hotel Rwanda, and Glory Road.
A presentation by Native American Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills.
The Firm encourages all attorneys and staff to participate in the Institute for Healing Racism. The Institutes, conducted by the Woodrick Institute for the Study of Racism and Diversity, challenge participants to discover and confront the reality of racism in the United States. To date, more than 20 percent of our attorneys and staff have attended a multiday Woodrick Institute program. Additional attorneys and staff have attended in-house workshops on unintentional discrimination facilitated by professionals from the Woodrick Institute. This workshop exposes biases and stereotypes of which we are often unaware. The workshop offers insights on how those misperceptions impact behaviors and decision making in the workplace and can contribute to an environment that is not inclusive.
Next - Recruiting Women and Minority Attorneys