Two Dallas-based law firms, a corporate firm and a plaintiffs’ firm, said Thursday that they are adding their names to those that have decided to celebrate Juneteenth as a firm-wide holiday.
Dallas-based Haynes and Boone announced they are joining the ranks of of other Texas firms that have decided to formally commemorate the end of slavery in Texas. And the Dallas-based plaintiffs’ firm Fears Nachawati said it would do likewise.
Citing the racial sensitivities in the nation, Sidley Austin, which has offices in Dallas and Houston, was the first law firm in Texas to publicly state that employees are encouraged to use the day to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth.
Baker Botts announced Monday afternoon that it is holding an online event for all of its lawyers called “A Conversation on Race and Bias in America.” The firm is also giving its lawyers and staff a half-day off in what Baker Botts managing partner John Martin said “are small steps in a much larger journey.”
On Tuesday, Norton Rose Fulbright followed suit.
“I believe we are one of the first firms in Texas to decide to close on Friday all of our US offices with a paid firm holiday,” said Yvette Ostolaza, managing partner of Sidley’s Dallas office and a member of the global firm’s executive committee. “I hope more firms will follow by celebrating in some way. This is an opportunity to raise awareness of a day that stands for freedom. Texans are all about independence and freedom, so let’s lead the charge.”
Ostolaza said that she and the firm’s co-managing partners in Houston, Cliff Vrielink and Kevin Lewis, noticed that some Texas businesses are planning to close for the day.
“I wanted to be a part of the celebration,” she said. “Our observation of this historic time in our history, particularly in Texas, is an opportunity to take a step back and reflect on issues around racism and its impact on our country.”
The following law firms with Texas offices have also made Juneteenth a holiday, according to The American Lawyer: Akerman; Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld; Arnold & Porter; Dorsey & Whitney; Jackson Lewis; Mayer Brown; Morgan, Lewis & Bockius; Perkins Coie; Seyfarth Shaw; Shearman & Sterling; and Willkie Farr & Gallagher.