June 2020
George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. We say their names with heartbreak and outrage knowing that yet another life has been lost to racism and social injustice. We believe that all lives cannot matter
until black lives matter.
At Warner, we pride ourselves on being “A Better Partnership.” This partnership extends beyond our work family and clients into our communities, including communities of color. We join in the grief when a community suffers a senseless loss.
As a law firm, we know that words are important. But action is critical. We believe that enough is enough, and we are determined to do better.
While the ugly events we have witnessed could lead us to despair, we have instead chosen to respond with action by assessing ourselves internally and doubling down on our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
As part of our ongoing commitment to these efforts, Warner commits to the following prompt actions for our members and our communities:
- Education. We are expanding our diversity, equity and inclusion training for all current and future firm members. We will host regular meetings which allow firm members to share their thoughts and activities related to current events and issues.
- Talent. We are integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into our annual performance evaluations, revising our policies aimed at increasing the number of applicants and hires from underrepresented groups and identifying candidates for current and future internal leadership positions from underrepresented groups.
- Time. We are seeking out additional community leadership positions, attorney pro bono representations and volunteering initiatives to support marginalized communities.
- Resources. We will make an immediate financial contribution to the Equal Justice Initiative, supporting the organization’s efforts on criminal justice reform, challenges to racial and economic injustice, and protection of basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.
We stand in solidarity with our firm members and communities. We promise to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie so all of our firm members can come to work as their authentic selves, empowered and free from fear.
Warner’s Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Action Committee is a 26-member cross section of the entire firm that regularly meets to determine how to best support our communities and improve our internal culture. We promise to continually evaluate and reevaluate how we can make an impact in these areas. We are eager for continued conversation and action.
Signed,
Doug Dozeman · Edward Bardelli · Bruce Clearing Sky Christensen · Sean Cook · Amanda Fielder · Brian Lang · Jonathan Lauderbach · Heidi Lyon · Linda Paullin-Hebden · Justin Stemple · Mark Wassink
Warner Norcross + Judd Management Committee
Charles Ash · Valerie Butler · Cheryl Coutchie · Doug Dozeman · Roquia Draper · Courtney Failer · Monique Field-Foster · Marilee Fisher · Jana Hoeker · Kelly Hollingsworth · Wyatt Istvan-Mitchell · James Liggins · Rodney Martin · Mandice McAllister · Laura Morris · Kaushi Muthukuda · Carin Ojala · Linda Paullin-Hebden · Audrey Pimpleton · Traci Rozelle · Tom Smanik · Kent Sparks · Jason Tejani · Cassandra Tucker · Mark Wassink · Kristin Williams
Warner Norcross + Judd Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Action Committee