RALEIGH, N.C. (August 13, 2014) – Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP has been named by the Triangle Business Journal as a winner of its 2014 Leader in Diversity Awards. Parker Poe is one of 10 Triangle companies – and the only law firm – recognized for exceptional efforts in creating a culturally diverse work environment.
Among other initiatives, Parker Poe holds annual "Life in a Law Firm" programs, inviting minority students from law schools throughout the Carolinas and beyond to participate in a full day of career development, including panel discussions with Parker Poe attorneys and mock interviews. One of the programs takes place in Raleigh, with participants from the Triangle’s many schools of law.
"The keynote speaker is usually an in-house counsel with one of our clients," said Sarah Ford, a partner in the Raleigh office and Chairperson of Parker Poe’s Diversity Committee. "The program creates an opportunity to partner with our clients to increase diversity in the profession."
Parker Poe was one of the first law firms in North Carolina to appoint one of its attorneys to provide central oversight of its diversity and inclusion initiatives on a full-time basis. Now the Firm has two attorneys, Chief Talent Officer Kristi Walters and Director of Diversity Sidney Evering, who work closely with Parker Poe's Diversity Committee to develop and monitor diversity activities and progress. These include the adoption of policies to preserve diversity within the Firm, like alternative work schedules to increase retention of attorneys with small children.
"The policy exists for the benefit of both male and female attorneys," Ford said. "However, the practical impact has been to increase our retention of young women who want increased scheduling flexibility as they become parents."
The Diversity Committee also undertakes awareness initiatives, with its most recent publication featuring reflections written by Parker Poe employees who identify as LGBT.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the TBJ as a Leader in Diversity,” said Kevin Chignell, Managing Partner of Parker Poe’s Raleigh office. “The Firm takes a lot of pride in the commendable actions of our Diversity Committee. As a whole, Parker Poe recognizes that promoting diversity among attorneys and staff is essential to the success of our lawyers, clients, and community."
To learn more about Parker Poe's diversity initiatives, click here.
About Parker Poe
Named among the "Best Law Firms" for 2014 by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP has more than 200 lawyers in five offices located in major markets across North Carolina and South Carolina. The Firm provides legal counsel to large commercial and public organizations on litigation, corporate and regulatory matters. For more information, please visit www.parkerpoe.com.