Diversity & Inclusion at Quarles & Brady

At Quarles & Brady, every person counts, every day. Diversity is a primary element of our mission. We are leaders in mentoring and developing outstanding diverse attorneys -- our percentages of women and diverse partners and associates exceed national averages, while women and diverse attorneys head four of our seven offices, including our largest. In 2010 and 2011, we earned the highest possible rating of 100% in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's annual Corporate Equality Index. We are also routinely ranked among the best law firms for women and diverse attorneys, family-friendly policies, informal training and other categories that help promote a diverse workplace.

Achieving a richly inclusive working environment has been a central component of our strategic plan for more than a decade. To advance this core value, our Executive Committee appointed a formal Diversity Committee to conceive and implement programming designed to incorporate diversity directly into the infrastructure of our organization -- the committee consists of representatives from our offices across the country and includes partners, associates and staff as well as members of the firm's Executive Committee. Each of our offices also has it's own Diversity & Inclusion Council, whose members plan local educational and social events for attorneys and staff of all backgrounds. Thanks to the hard work of these groups, we have implemented a number of ongoing initiatives including our Women in Leadership program, diverse attorney recruitment, retention and promotion (including formal mentoring and minority liaison programs), and family-friendly policies.

We are proud of our efforts and the Recognition and Accolades that we have received for them, but a true climate of diversity cannot be measured by statistics, ratings and awards alone. Although we are pleased to be recognized for our commitment to diversity, such dedication is not about winning prizes; rather, it for us a matter of purpose. Building an inclusive workplace is in fact, about winning cases, negotiating the best deals, obtaining the most secure patents and being a great place to work, as diversity of staff leads to diversity of thought, creativity and experience. Such richness affords greater perspectives with which to understand our clients' objectives, and a greater capacity to serve as their trusted advisors. It also helps us to reflect and give back to the communities in which we practice. Therefore, Quarles is committed to an aggressive agenda that promotes and achieves diversity at all levels.