Our first goal is to build awareness within Thompson Hine of the value of diversity, not just at our firm, but throughout the legal profession. We will fulfill this goal by highlighting the benefits of the diverse backgrounds and perspectives that we bring to the clients we represent and our communities at large.
Our second goal is to seek diversity in the recruitment of lawyers and other professional staff. To this end, we will remove barriers that would prevent lawyers from accessing positions in the legal field traditionally, and in particular, at Thompson Hine. These efforts will include minority law clerkships and minority counsel programs to city-wide and firm-wide programs.
Our third goal is to increase the retention and advancement of minority and women lawyers and staff. We will focus on fostering a work environment that allows minorities and women to thrive in advancing their legal careers. We will endeavor to achieve a greater representation of minority lawyers in the firm, assist our minority and women clients and lawyers to develop mutually rewarding business relationships and foster an understanding and appreciation of workplace diversity.
Our commitment to diversity is long term and will be evidenced day-to-day, month-by-month, year-by-year. While the programs and methods to achieve these goals may vary over time, our commitment to diversity will not.