Thankful for the richness of DEI this Thanksgiving

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, we at ATB reflect on the spirit of gratitude. We take pride in promoting diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) by actively seeking candidates from various backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities.  And by developing robust relationships with firms that champion diversity by holding themselves accountable to The Mansfield Rule, and other high DEI & environmental standards, such as Benefit Corporation Certified law firms (Hanson Bridgett, we see you!).

As a team, our recruiters champion DEI initiatives at both educational and professional levels.  Earlier this year, we were proud to again sponsor the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s Belonging Awards, which celebrate the diversity of the students, faculty, staff, and alumni at this beloved California law school.  The awards foster an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel a sense of belonging and empower students to contribute their unique perspectives, helping them thrive when they enter the legal profession.

Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to be grateful for impactful organizations that help our communities. We recently had the privilege to work with St. John’s Community Health to help build their in-house legal team, which directly serves marginalized communities in South Central Los Angeles.  We were humbled and inspired by their team and the candidates seeking to join, who, despite having the option to make more money in private practice, chose a path of service.

This Thanksgiving we have an opportunity to celebrate not only the successes of our candidates over the past year, but also the strides made toward creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive legal profession. As we gather around our tables to give thanks, let’s also take a moment to express gratitude for the richness that diversity brings to our law schools, professional lives, and the legal community as a whole.