While the barriers Black women face in the workplace have improved with time and collective concerted efforts at change, there is still a long way to go. For the benefit of my children and others, I want my life to reflect that I was a part of that change, even in the smallest way.
15 GCs and Senior In-House Counsel Talk Diversity, Law Firms, Pipeline
The Texas Lawbook interviewed 15 corporate GCs and senior in-house counsel in Houston and the DFW area about the role of diversity in hiring outside counsel, specific steps law firm leaders can take to improve diversity and address the pipeline.
Corporate counsel at Keurig Dr Pepper, McAfee, Schlumberger, Noble Corp, HF Sinclair, Ocwen Financial, Tuesday Morning, Talen Energy, PepsiCo Foods, American Airlines, Shell USA, Phillips 66, MB2 Dental and BHP give their insight related to DEI issues.
P.S. — UT Law’s Women in Law Luncheon, Gibson Dunn’s Pro Bono Awards
In this week’s edition of P.S., we have information on the speaker, honoree and sponsors of the upcoming biennial award luncheon for the Center for Women in Law, an organization affiliated with the University of Texas School of Law and background on Gibson Dunn’s prestigious Frank Wheat Memorial Awards, which recognizes lawyers within the firm for their pro bono work each year. Other firms mentioned this week include Baker Botts, Haynes and Boone, Katten, Norton Rose Fulbright, Kean Miller and many more. Corporations mentioned include AT&T, Jacobs, Toyota and FTI Consulting.
Frost Brown Todd Renames Diversity Scholarship After Late Houston MP
Frost Brown Todd has renamed its diversity scholarship after Zenobia Bivens, the late managing partner of the firm’s Houston office who unexpectedly passed away last year at the age of 40. The scholarship aims to support law students who are excelling academically and demonstrating a commitment to diversity and serving the community.
P.S. — Nonprofit Spotlight: Genesis Women’s Shelter
For this week’s edition of P.S., Natalie Posgate talked with Genesis Women’s Shelter to discuss the nonprofit’s upcoming annual luncheon featuring Nicole Kidman, the expanded legal services available to domestic violence victims in Genesis’ brand new facility and how lawyers can help the organization carry out its mission to empower women and children affected by domestic abuse. Firms mentioned include Munck Wilson Mandala, Stinson and Cowles & Thompson.
P.S. — Funding Racial Justice, Diversifying the Legal Community & Advising the Homeless
The Houston Bar Foundation names its new chair and recognizes many more for their pro bono work. Dallas lawyers at one firm advocate for people of color incarcerated by outdated drug laws. The North Texas Chamber of Commerce names new lawyer leadership on its board. All that and more in this week’s P.S. column.
P.S. — More Legal Aid Announcements; Meet Weil’s Newest “Lend-A-Lawyer”
This week’s edition of P.S. features details on the next Weil associate to be selected for the firm’s unique pro bono volunteer program, how to get free legal help if you were the victim of the Jan. 24 tornado that hit the Houston area and the February dates for the Dallas Bar Association’s legal hotline. Natalie Posgate has the details.
Harnessing the Power of Crowdsourced DEI Innovation to Affect Change
Hackathons are a powerful crowdsourcing concept that will not only lead to the creation and implementation of innovative programming, but can help foster a more inclusive corporate culture. At Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, the firm has successfully implemented this concept during the summer associate program since 2020. One of the fruits has been the creation of a new scholarship program for first-generation law students.
Hogan Lovells Files Pro Bono Lawsuit on Behalf of TX Death Row Inmates
Solitary confinement nearly 24 hours a day without adequate recreational time is violating the federal and state constitutional rights of 185 male Texas inmates on death row, according to a new lawsuit in Houston federal court. The suit also says current prison conditions don’t allow for adequate medical attention or legal assistance. Natalie Posgate has the details.
P.S. — Dallas Legal Clinics Announced for Feb; A Bankruptcy Becomes Charitable — UPDATED
In this week’s P.S., Natalie Posgate highlights a sizable donation one firm and one company gave to the Houston Food Bank, upcoming free legal clinics in Dallas and a group of new sponsors of the Lawbook Foundation.