Diversity

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Carlton Fields' Diversity Commitment

Diversity News: On November 6 and 7, 2009, Carlton Fields’ Minority Lawyer Network hosted a retreat in the firm’s Miami office. The retreat provided Carlton Fields minority attorneys with the opportunity to socialize and hear valuable business development information from minority lawyers colleagues and firm senior management. Click here for more information on the MLN Retreat, including photos from the retreat and panel discussion topics.

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

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.
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.
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 training and networking opportunities. Recent events include the following:

"Capitalizing on Diversity and Relationships to Build Marketing Success" – Consultant-run workshop focused on assisting minority lawyers with business development and growing their practices
Successful female shareholders discuss their career strategies at the "How I Did It – Professional Development and Empowerment Series"
"Writing Effective Self-Evaluations" – Firmwide CLE with a special focus for women associates
"A Celebration of Women" – Carlton Fields’ female attorneys presented to businesswomen in South Florida as part of a niche marketing initiative
"The Next Level – Arriving and Thriving" – A best practices discussion at the firm’s Diversity Retreat. A panel of young minority shareholders from other major firms spoke candidly about how they made it to the level of partner or shareholder and what they are doing to continue succeeding

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