Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C.

Jennings Strouss has an extensive tort and insurance defense practice, providing full litigation representation to clients in state and federal courts, before administrative tribunals, mediations and in arbitration hearings. Insurance coverage reviews and coverage advice are provided to counsel and carriers, along with representation in declaratory actions and bad faith disputes. The firm represents leading insurance carriers and risk management administrators as well as corporate and individual insureds in various tort litigation matters.

Among its trial attorneys is a vast amount of courtroom experience at both the federal and state level. Jennings Strouss has four elected members in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Election to membership in ABOTA requires applicants to complete 20 cases as lead counsel before a jury in a contested tort case, and admission is based on factors such as integrity and professionalism, as well as trial experience and performance.

Several Jennings Strouss attorneys are also certified as "personal injury and wrongful death" specialists by the State Bar of Arizona's Board of Legal Specialization. Firm attorneys are also actively engaged with the Defense Research Institute (DRI), Arizona Association of Defense Counsel (AADC), International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), Federation of Insurance & Corporate Counsel (FICC), and the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA).

Due to the potentially high cost of litigation, our tort and insurance attorneys emphasize and practice skills needed to resolve conflicts outside the courtroom, when appropriate for the client's interests, utilizing mediation, arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution techniques in resolving disputes. The firm further conducts meetings and workshops to advise clients on preventing potential litigation situations before they arise.

The firm utilizes a "team" approach to tort litigation matters and a responsible, primary contact attorney to assure open and efficient communication regarding the status of files. Clients are invited to be involved with the placement of a file with the appropriate lawyer or lawyers.

Productive case management through utilization of the latest in technical software and continual training is an established practice. Efficient staffing, using the most appropriately skilled attorney required to handle a particular matter, and utilizing skilled paralegals and nurse consultants where desired and cost effective, is fostered.

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

Jennings Strouss continues to promote diversity by recruiting and retaining highly qualified individuals who represent diversity of opinion, personal experience and demographics. Our goal is to maintain and nurture this diversity in an environment that fosters excellence, achievement, and advancement of all qualified individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, religion, or position with the firm.

We retain excellent lawyers through regularly evaluating our recruiting focus, techniques, and strategies. We then make changes as necessary. Our recruiting committee expanded the on-campus interview program in 2007 to target students with diverse backgrounds and interests from law schools with significant minority enrollments and at minority student job fairs. The committee also is working on an outreach campaign to minority student organizations at various law schools around the country. Other demonstrations of our commitment to diversity are our continuing sponsorship of a law student in the annual Arizona State University Minority Writing Internship Program, a program that was started by our firm many years ago, and our sponsorship of the 2006 NBA Diversity Pipeline Program.

Our deep commitment to diversity is based on a solid belief that a multifaceted work environment can make us a better, smarter, and stronger law firm that has a positive influence in our communities.

JENNINGS STROUSS CORE VALUESWe are a diverse team that strives to provide the highest quality legal services to our clients by our commitment to these Core Values:

• Respect

   

  We show respect for each other and value diversity and inclusion both in the workplace and in dealing with others with whom we work.

• Communication

   

  We are committed to open and meaningful communication with each other and our clients.

• Diversity

   

  We have an unwavering commitment to diversity and to providing a professional environment that offers equal and nondiscriminatory access and opportunity to all employees.

• Balance

   

  We understand the importance of a healthy, balanced life and strive to help all employees achieve a healthy work-life balance.

• Recognition

   

  We encourage a workplace where each employee seeks on a daily basis to contribute to the success of the firm as a whole and is recognized for his or her contributions.

• Integrity and Excellence

   

  We are committed to excellence in the practice of law, and in so doing promote and adhere to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

• Public Service

   

  We have a strong commitment to our community and public service including pro bono work.

DIVERSITY ACTION COMMITTEE

Member Joel Greene serves as the firm's Chief Diversity/Retention Officer. Instrumental in the development and implementation of the firm's Core Values, he is dedicated to working with the Diversity Action Committee to reinforce those values in an environment that fosters excellence, achievement, and advancement of all.

Representing a cross section of the firm's employees, each Committee member works to ensure that the Jennings Strouss diversity initiatives are continually updated and carried out as the firm adapts to the changing realities of the modern workplace. The Diversity Action Committee continues to formulate implementation guidelines and initiatives for the firm's Core Values. Each member views him or herself as a catalyst for change, where needed, to promote diversity and an enhanced sense of community within the firm.