Mission Statement
SmithAmundsen recognizes that diversity improves morale, attracts more talented individuals to our firm, and ultimately, enhances the results we obtain for our clients. We feel that diversity is essential to a cohesive and productive work environment, and that it is an integral part of our success. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all areas, from recruiting and employment to training, education, work assignments and promotion, regardless of a person’s race, gender, age, religion, disability, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. We do not hire minorities to fill a quota, rather, we hire with the expectation that the attorneys we hire will one day be our partners and staff members will be leaders at our firm.
Diversity Task Force
SmithAmundsen has a Diversity Task Force charged with upholding our mission and advancing firm-wide diversity initiatives. The Diversity Task Force at SmithAmundsen works closely with the Executive Committee and our administrative team to carry out these initiatives and to help foster a culture that celebrates the diverse contributions of all members of the firm.
The Diversity Task Force is composed of both attorneys and staff members.
SmithAmundsen Scholarship
In 2007 we established a SmithAmundsen scholarship with Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago-Kent College of Law. The scholarship rewards excellence in legal writing and the recipient’s contribution to diversity as an integral part of the law school’s intensive first-year writing experience. In addition, we provide financial support as a sponsor of the law school’s Thurgood Marshall trial team.
For more information on the SmithAmundsen scholarship, please contact Donna Fernandez Jennifer Reddien at 312.894.3200.
Recent Initiatives of The Diversity Task Force
Recent Initiatives of the Diversity Task Force Include the Following:
- Established scholarship with Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago-Kent College of Law to reward excellence in legal writing and contribution to diversity
- Sponsor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Dinner 2008
- Hosted breakfast and presented panel discussion on life as an associate at SmithAmundsen for minority students
- Increase the firm’s profile at law schools within the Midwest to improve our name recognition with both students and recent graduates including sponsorship and support of the Thurgood Marshall trial team
- Develop relationships with law school minority organizations to create mutually beneficial connections
- Meet with law school placement officials to identify qualified minority candidates for positions at our firm
- Increase participation in diversity programs in our communities
- Promote sensitivity to and respect for the cultural differences within the firm
