Since its inception in 1955, the law firm of Lewis Wagner, LLP has been committed to diversity. Diversity is not a new or special program at the firm; diversity is integral to the firm’s culture.
In the early 1970's, Robert Wagner joined with Patrick Chavis, Sr., and Patrick Chavis, III, to form one of the first racially integrated law firms in Indianapolis, Indiana. Later, Robert Wagner, Ed Lewis and others formed the firm now known as Lewis Wagner, which continued its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace and in the profession.
The Firm members believe it is their responsibility to bring together individuals of different backgrounds. As a result, Lewis Wagner has consistently employed significant numbers of women attorneys and attorneys of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.
As an outward expression of the Firm’s commitment to diversity, the Firm recognizes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a “Firm Holiday” and the Firm is closed for business on that day. The firm is also headquartered in an area with historic significance to the African American community. The building is part of the Madame Walker theatre complex, named after the first female millionaire, and was designed by a group of African American architects in Indianapolis, Alpha Blackburn and Associates.
An active, internal diversity committee was established to develop initiatives and manage the firm’s accomplishments. The committee, made up of Partners, Associates, Paralegals and legal assistants, oversees the firm’s long range plan on diversity issues including fostering an inclusive work environment, recruitment, retention, community involvement and sponsorship of diversity programs and events.
In acknowledgment of these efforts, Lewis Wagner has been recognized for our successes including:
2012: Indiana Minority Business Magazine Champions of Diversity Award
2011: Mayor of Indianapolis Celebration of Diversity Award for Workplace Diversity;
2010: DRI - The Voice for the Defense Bar, Law Firm Diversity Award
2010: Diversity in Practice Award Finalist. The Indiana Lawyer
2006: Rabb Emison Award presented by the Committee for Racial Diversity in the Legal Profession of the Indiana State Bar Association
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Litigation General Best Practices
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Does the firm have a formalized new associate litigation training/mentoring program?
Yes
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Does the firm's litigation department have a structured approach to early case assessment? For example: Does your firm implement a standard approach to determine risks and strengths early in a case to assess trial or settlement options?
Yes
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Does the firm have an established records management team to assist clients with records retention, compliance and litigation preparedness?
Yes
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Disaster Recovery
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Does the firm have a disaster recovery plan in place?
Yes
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Number of Partners who are...
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Non-minority Males
12
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Non-minority Females
7
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Minority Females
1
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Quality Management
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Does the firm conduct end of matter reviews?
Yes
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Number of Technology Professionals who are...
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Number of Associates who are...
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Non-minority Males
6
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Minority Males
2
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Non-minority Females
3
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Minority Females
3
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Number of Other Lawyers who are...
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Number of Paralegals who are...
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Non-minority Males
1
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Minority Males
1
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Non-minority Females
5
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Litigation eDiscovery Best Practices
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Does the firm have an established eDiscovery Committee?
No
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Does your firm have any educational programs designed to address the changing federal rules of civil procedure?
Yes
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Does your firm have a standardized protocol to guide client data collection? (i.e. Maintaining chain of custody, utilizing forensically sound procedures)
No
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Matter Budgeting and Financial Management
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Does the firm establish formal budgets for client engagements?
Yes
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Are bills submitted electronically?
Yes
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Vendor Management
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Does the firm have preferred vendor relationships?
Yes
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Knowledge Management
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Does the firm have a knowledge management program?
Yes
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Number of Administrative Professionals who are...
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Number of Of Counsel who are...
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Number of Marketing Professionals who are...
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Number of Finance Professionals who are...
