Diversity: Commitment to diversity

Commitment to our community, to our profession and to our country have been an important part of our history.

In the fall of 1962, less than a year before Dr. King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech, Leon Jaworski was a senior partner and was serving as President of the State Bar of Texas. He was asked by then Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach to serve as special assistant to the United States Attorney General to prosecute Governor Ross Barnett of Mississippi for acting in contempt of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals by attempting to block the enrollment of the University of Mississippi's first African-American student, James H. Meredith.

Leon Jaworski took that case when it was not popular to do so. He received hate mail, and the firm lost clients. Leon Jaworski agreed to prosecute Governor Barnett because it was the right, not the expedient, thing to do. This act of professional conviction was and remains a proud moment in the history of our firm. The firm culture that supported this effort in 1962 is very much alive today.

Our core values

Our core values include respect for every individual and the recognition that a diversity of life experiences makes us better.

Among other things, we believe the firm should reflect the diversity of the talent available to us. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all employees without regard to race, color, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation or national origin.

Diversity assessment

To strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion, the firm conducted a diversity assessment in 2007. The firm selected the Boston-based consulting firm, Verna Myers Consulting Group, LLC to conduct the assessment.

Personal interviews and a confidential on-line survey were conducted to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment in which all firm personnel understand, welcome and support the development and advancement of individuals from all backgrounds.