Diversity
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Carlton Fields' Diversity Commitment
Diversity Highlight: John R. Blue, former Second District Court of Appeal Chief Judge and St. Petersburg shareholder, and Cristina Alonso, Miami shareholder, won a reversal in a pro bono appeal challenging a Florida trial court's refusal to enforce an adoption judgment entered in the state of Washington on behalf of a woman who adopted the biological child of her same-sex partner. Please click on the following link to read the Court's opinion: Embry v. Ryan.
An appreciation of diversity is one of the core values of Carlton Fields. Carlton Fields is dedicated to promoting diversity and fostering an environment of inclusion and respect. We recognize that diverse backgrounds and perspectives enrich the workplace and add value to the legal services we provide. To achieve this mission, Carlton Fields seeks to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse team of employees that reflects the various communities in which we work.
Carlton Fields has a tradition and culture of diversity. We strive to create a climate of inclusion, grow our talent pool, and foster innovation and creativity to compete in the global market. We believe that persons with diverse backgrounds enrich our work environment, add value to the legal services that we provide, and enhance the overall culture of the firm.
To learn more about the firm's commitment to improve the hiring, retention, and promotion of diverse attorneys, click here to view the 2008 Carlton Fields Annual Diversity Report.
RECRUITMENT
Diversity Fellowship Program at Stetson University College of Law
In 2004, Carlton Fields established the Diversity Fellowship Program at Stetson University College of Law. The program assists students who have experienced socioeconomic or cultural barriers while pursuing a legal education. Each semester a student is selected to receive a paid law clerk fellowship position with the firm.
Participation in Diversity Job Fairs
Carlton Fields participates in job fairs aimed at showcasing diverse law students to legal employers. This year, the firm will recruit at each of the Southeastern Minority Job Fair (SEMJF) and the Lavender Law Career Fair.
Minority Law Student Organization Outreach
The firm is in the process of launching a new initiative to promote Carlton Fields to minority law students through student organizations.
RETENTION
Carlton Fields’ Affinity Networks
Diversity Events
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Annually: Carlton Fields hosts “Carlton Fields Celebrates Diversity Week,” a firmwide celebration of diversity with international lunches in each of the firm’s offices, diversity trivia, and other activities dedicated to recognizing the unique cultures and perspectives of Carlton Fields' attorneys and staff.
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2008: Carlton Fields celebrated Black History Month with a firmwide “soul food luncheon” featuring esteemed civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery as the honored guest speaker. The “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement” shared numerous stories of both his own efforts and those of his fellow civil rights champions to combat the horrors of segregation and oppression during the Jim Crow era.
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2009: Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida, spoke to Carlton Fields about the history and current status of state and federal laws regarding workplace discrimination and protection, recognition of gay relationships, and the Florida statute banning adoption by gay parents.
Mentoring Program
One of the most important aspects of the Diversity Initiative is the mentor relationships developed within affinity groups. Senior attorneys serve as a resource and as mentors for junior group members, encouraging associates to ask questions, raise issues, and discuss best practices.
Professional Development
Carlton Fields organizes events for minority and women lawyers to provide business development information and training.
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2005: Diversity in the Legal Profession - The firm’s Shareholder Retreat featured a Client Panel comprised of General Counsel from Cingular, Bellsouth, GE Commercial Finance, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Wachovia Corporation, and Ryder System, Inc. General Counsel spoke candidly about their companies’ diversity initiatives and their strong interest in achieving a diverse workforce.
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2006: “How I Got Over” Series - firm attorney Luis Prats spoke on the challenges he faced as a Cuban-American, and how he has overcome them through hard work and dedication. Prats also provided best practices information to the attorneys in attendance.
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2007: Teleconference Seminar Programming - Learning opportunities are periodically being offered by teleconference to members of the firm's Women's Initiative Network. Seminar topics have included business development and self-assessment strategies.
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2007: "The Next Level - Arriving and Thriving" - The firm's Diversity Retreat featured many programs geared toward providing minority associates and shareholders with the information and tools necessary to be a succesful attorney at Carlton Fields and a valuable contributor to their respective legal and civic communities. The weekend event provided minority lawyers firmwide with the opportunity to meet in person, form personal bonds, and share their respective experiences.
MOSAIC
Mosaic, the Carlton Fields diversity newsletter, describes the firm's ongoing diversity efforts with our clients, in our communities, and at the firm.
PRO BONO & COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Carlton Fields' Minority Lawyer Network, Women's Initiative Network, and Gay and Lesbian Equality Network participate in pro bono initiatives and civic, charitable, and community events with a diversity focus.
If you would like more information about Carlton Fields’ Diversity Initiative, or are interested in working at Carlton Fields and would like to know more about our Diversity Initiative, please feel free to contact one of the attorneys listed below. They welcome the opportunity to speak with you about their goals and efforts.
Nancy Faggianelli
Diversity Committee Co-Chair
nfaggianelli@carltonfields.com
813.229.4321
Jason Murray
Diversity Committee Co-Chair
jmurray@carltonfields.com
305.539.7425
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