Inclusion and diversity are a fundamental part of who we are – and a core principle we live by every day. From our very first days as a law firm, we’ve believed that a culture that prioritizes inclusivity leads to better outcomes – for both us and our clients. And it’s why we continue to instill an atmosphere of collaboration in everything we do.
At Littler, one of our biggest assets is our people. So, we elevate them through mentoring initiatives like our award-winning Career Advocacy Program, which pairs rising female and ethnically diverse associates with shareholder Advocates and client Champions who encourage their career growth. Over the past three years, Protégés have represented 18 to 40 percent of the firm’s new shareholder class each year. We support and empower them through affinity groups we have developed for our African-American (Bollo), LGBTQ (Pride), Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, North African, and Pacific Islander-American (‘Ohana), and Hispanic (Reunión) attorneys, as well as our Women’s Leadership Initiative.
And this commitment has paid off. Our diversity initiatives have won multiple awards from a wide range of industry and media organizations, as well as clients like Allstate, Nationwide, Starbucks and The Coca-Cola Company, and many more. But beyond receiving recognition, our inclusion efforts have also strengthened our firm. Because with a wider range of perspectives and experiences, our team can be stronger, smarter and deliver better solutions for your business.
“Our many diversity and inclusion initiatives ensure that Littler attorneys have access to our firm’s top leadership – encouraging individual career growth and nurturing talent that makes our firm stronger.”
– Mark Phillis and Eddie Chyun, Diversity & Inclusion Council co-chairs
Littler’s commitment to equality is unwavering. The firm has joined with organizations, such as Out Leadership and the Human Rights Campaign to ensure equal treatment of members of the LGBTQ community and continued its support of the American Bar Association’s Resolution 113, which asks law firms to complete its Model Diversity Survey to help law firms and clients analyze the role of minorities, women, LGBTQ and disabled lawyers in law firms and on client matters.
Additionally, Littler and its attorneys are involved in and support numerous diverse organizations, including:
“I am very proud of what we’ve done with regards to diversity and inclusion for so many reasons. I joined the firm as an out lesbian. Littler enabled me to give back to my community in a way that I didn’t see possible at other firms. Here, I am not just tolerated, I’m embraced.”
– Lee Schreter, Shareholder
We help organizations develop customized diversity and inclusion initiatives that advance strategic objectives within the legal margins.
Littler’s affinity groups provide support, development and networking opportunities at the firm. They offer a forum for attorneys to create affinity-focused communication and programs. Members are able to have candid conversations about sharing strategies for success, including the enhancement of skill sets and business development planning. At the same time, these colleagues celebrate and embrace the unique qualities that each individual brings to Littler. Participation in the affinity groups is open to all firm employees.
The affinity groups develop initiatives and hold in-person and virtual meetings, which allow members to share the true spirit and values that they bring to the firm.
In the Littler Celebrates video series, Littler attorneys discuss the people who have been the most influential in their lives.
Bollo provides support, development and networking opportunities for African-American attorneys and professional staff.
Individuals with Disabilities provides support, development and networking opportunities for attorneys and professional staff with disabilities.
‘Ohana provides support, development and networking opportunities for Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, North African and Pacific Islander-American attorneys and professional staff.
Pride provides support, development and networking opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally attorneys and professional staff.
Reunión provides support, development and networking opportunities for Hispanic and Latino-American attorneys and professional staff.
We formed our Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) in 2008. The initiative focuses on developing and retaining women leaders because we value the importance of having women leaders at every level of the firm.
The Veterans Initiative includes Littler employees who are former servicemembers, current reserve and National Guard servicemembers, military spouses and family members. The group also welcomes those whose legal practice covers servicemembers in the workplace and those who are simply interested in veterans affairs and related topics.
*Please note that LGBTQ data is based on a self-identification survey conducted annually. Responses are anonymous and collected on a volunteer basis, therefore, actual numbers may be higher.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion starts at the top and is emphasized at every level of our firm. We live and breathe it. It influences our work and is vital to our future. This is an exciting time at Littler, as the firm looks toward a continued commitment to enhancing efforts both inside and outside the firm.
The Diversity & Inclusion Council is responsible for creating, implementing and reviewing firm wide diversity and inclusion strategies. Knowing that progress demands resources, we allow non-billable time for relevant events and provide financial support for our lawyers and staff to be able to participate in these initiatives.
At Littler, we recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion for the long-term success of our firm. We are committed to building a strong, diverse and inclusive supplier base.
