Committee Initiatives

Our Diversity & Inclusion Committee works closely with our Management, Recruiting and Associate Development Committees to ensure we are proactively working to hire and retain a diverse work force. Following are some of the Committee's ongoing initiatives to maintain an inclusive work environment and culture where all are able to maximize their potential.

Proactive Diverse Recruiting

Lewis Rice recruits the best and the brightest legal minds, with the overarching goal of hiring talent that is reflective of the diversity of our client base, the St. Louis community and the nation as a whole.

Proactive Mentorship

In recognition of the fact that more is required than simply hiring talented individuals of diverse backgrounds, Lewis Rice maintains practices and policies specifically designed to make sure the unique qualities of each attorney is considered when developing their training program and mentor pairing.

Proactive Community Involvement

The Firm is actively engaged in numerous activities that promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion within our community, including but not limited to the Diversity Clerkship Program, the St. Louis Diversity Job Fair, the Women Lawyers' Association of Greater St. Louis, the Mound City Bar Association and mentorships in various Black Law Students Associations.

We are also active in many local programs that attempt to address the needs of those less fortunate in the community including the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Sherwood Forest Youth Camp, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, Minority Business Development Agency, NAACP, Harris Stowe State University, Missouri Asian American Bar Association, Corporate Counsel Women of Color, Motion for Kids, City Academy, and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.

Proactive Retention Efforts

Lewis Rice proudly offers reduced hour arrangements to help prevent the attrition of talented attorneys who need flexibility.

Lewis Rice welcomes information regarding diversity initiatives throughout the St. Louis community. Please contact Ron Norwood, Chairman of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, or Jerina Phillips, Vice Chair.