Diversity: Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP

Our Commitment and Philosophy
Gardere's commitment to the advancement of minorities and women is deep-rooted and broad reaching -- designed to engage all levels of our firm, and resulting in policies and programs that facilitate our dedication to a diverse and dynamic workplace. In addition to advancing diversity within our firm, we believe we have an obligation to strive to effect change in the legal industry as a whole. We must diligently search for new and meaningful ways to hire and retain lawyers, inspire future lawyers and foster a broader interest in, and equal access to, all aspects of the legal profession.

 We recognize that everyone benefits from broad, creative thinking and the perspectives that result from understanding and utilizing the knowledge and experience of diverse cultures. Embracing this simple human truth allows us to better fulfill the legal needs of our clients, the human needs of our firm and serve the greater good of our industry, our clients and our society.

A Historically Diverse Mindset
Diversity, tolerance and inclusion -- from a historic perspective Gardere has long considered these key foundations for responsible corporate citizenry. Gardere was one of the first for-profit enterprises to participate in the "Workplace of Difference^TM" program sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League, requiring attorneys and staff to participate during their first year of employment. We also sponsor mandatory internal workshops to educate our team members on various forms of workplace discrimination, as well as a course on cultural diversity that provides tools to identify problems and effect change. These programs provide action-oriented, real-life support for our anti-harassment policies and goals of providing a comfortable and friendly work environment.

Women's Initiatives
Our encouragement and support of women's initiatives extends beyond the office into the community. Beyond basic work life needs, such as our flex time policy available to women with child-rearing responsibilities, we are active in community and business issues related to women. Gardere is the recipient of the "Dallas Women's Covenant Award" for expansion of economic opportunities for all women. The Gardere Women's Council, comprised of women partners and associates, supports women's issues and related mentoring and business development efforts as well as various organizations including "Dress For Success®." The Firm is a signatory to the Houston Bar Association's Gender Initiative Commitment Statement and the Firm's Operating Partner recently served as co-chair of the Houston Bar Association Gender Initiative Task Force.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competition
Our commitment to diversity awareness includes fostering interest and awareness of the history of civil rights. Hundreds of elementary school students participate each year in Gardere's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competition. Now in its 15th year, this unique event encourages the research, writing, and oratorical skills of Dallas, Houston and Austin area elementary school children. The student speeches not only address how Dr. King impacted today's world, but also the student's vision for the future and insight into today's society.

Recruiting
Gardere is aggressively seeking to improve our efforts to hire and retain top minority law students from around the country. We have expanded our on-campus interviews at law schools that have a greater representation of minority students, and we support and sponsor a number of events hosted by minority law student organizations at a number of laws schools in our region. We also actively participate in minority job fairs around the country, in order to actively recruit the most qualified minority law students around the country, and we have adopted flexible hiring guidelines that allows Gardere to incorporate the very special and unique backgrounds of the minority lawyers we recruit and desire to be a part of our team.

Leadership
Our support of diversity does not simply stop at the hiring of diverse lawyers. We encourage and support our lawyers' involvement in organizations that also place a premium on diversity. Gardere supports numerous civic, religious, charitable and lifestyle organizations in the community through financial contributions and the leadership of our attorneys. Many of these organizations address issues of a major concern for our diverse communities. Gardere's involvement is not only reflected in our financial commitment but is also represented by the countless hours of attorney volunteer time. Our lawyers actively participate in and hold leadership roles in numerous minority organizations and programs. Internally, Gardere places a high value on diversity in our own leadership. We have women and minority lawyers serving as Practice Group Chairs, Industry Team Leaders and Executive Partner of an office. The Firm's Management, Business Development, Diversity, Compensation, Finance, Professional Development, Law School Recruiting, Lateral Recruiting, and Associates Committees all include strong percentages of women/minority members.

Committing to a Promising Future
Gardere has had a diversity committee for more than a decade. Gardere is proud of the efforts we have made to foster diversity, but we also know that we cannot rest on our accomplishments. We know that true diversity must be actively and continually cultivated. We are committed to accelerating our efforts to improve minority recruiting, to enhance internal mentoring and development efforts for attorneys, and to work from the inside out to make Gardere an even more inviting firm for minority lawyers.