Diversity and Inclusion

Our goal is clear. We want to be a leader in diversity. We want to be the firm most reflective of and responsive to our clients and communities. Pursuit of this goal guides us to recruit and maintain a diverse workforce of lawyers and staff inclusive of racial, gender, age, ethnic, national, sexual orientation and religious differences. At Holland & Knight, we believe the highest quality service can only be achieved when a legal team reflects the diversity of the marketplace.

In order for diversity to mean something, to be more than a superficial catch phrase, it must be incorporated into a firm's culture. Diversity must be put “in action” and made a priority. A firm must be committed not only to the members who are racially, ethnically or gender-diverse, but also to appreciate, celebrate, support and encourage the various thoughts, ideas and values that underlie those differences.

We are proud of our efforts to increase and strengthen the diversity of our lawyers and staff. Through the establishment of a firmwide Diversity Council, several Affinity Groups, local office Diversity Committees, mentoring programs and other diversity-related programs and initiatives, the firm has put diversity in action and has committed itself to being a leader with regard to inclusive policies for all firm employees.

Diversity Council

The firm's 20-member Diversity Council oversees our numerous diversity initiatives and programs, provides support for diversity-related charitable and community organizations, and explores avenues for increasing diversity among suppliers and business partners. As evidence of our commitment to diversity at all levels of the firm, the Diversity Council includes both a staff member and an associate as full participating members, as well as our Managing Partner, the Chair of our Directors Committee, each Affinity Group Leader, and a Local Office Diversity Committee representative.

The Diversity Council is led by Tiffani Lee, a partner in the firm's litigation section who also serves as the firm's Diversity Partner.

Local Office Diversity Committees

Our diversity activities stretch throughout the firm. Each of our U.S. offices has a standing Diversity Committee which is composed of both lawyers and staff. The Committees devise and implement programs and community outreach unique to their locations. The leaders of our local Diversity Committees meet regularly with the Diversity Partner to discuss issues and share information on their various events, sponsorships and “best practices.”

Affinity Groups

Through the firm’s seven Affinity Groups, our diverse lawyers and staff are able to address the distinct challenges and opportunities that arise as a result of our differences. By promoting and encouraging members, the Affinity Groups help to sustain an environment that is inclusive and supportive, which fosters both personal and professional success. Our Affinity Groups have helped to distinguish Holland & Knight through the visibility and opportunity extended to members.