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From its inception, our firm embraced diversity. Alison Miller joined us in 1976 and became a name partner in 1985—at a time when few women lawyers were practicing in Florida, and even fewer held leadership roles in law firms. For decades, our firm has successfully fostered leadership paths for women, which helped cultivate an environment where talented individuals from a range of diverse backgrounds can thrive. We recognize that diversity is multi-faceted, and as a result, our efforts must be wide-ranging, specific, and intentional.

Our firm culture is one aspect of our commitment to diversity. We maintain an inclusive, collaborative, and collegial work environment across all of our offices and practice areas. Our team members are each unique, but we share a number of important qualities such as character, empathy, dedication, a sense of humor, and respect for one another. Our goal has always been to serve our clients, give back to our communities, and be present with our families. Despite our growth over the years, more than 50% of our team has been with the firm for 10 years or more.

We are incredibly proud of the firm culture that we have built, but we know there is more work to do. The leadership of the firm has pledged its support for racial justice and increased diversity in the legal profession. We have asked our employees to join us in this important effort as we strive to achieve equity in our communities. 

In September 2020, the firm launched the Equity and Justice Project, an initiative designed to educate, reflect, and engage within our firm and our broader communities about racial equity and social justice.

Key components of the program include:

  • Educational emails and resources on equity and social justice issues with a goal of broadening our understanding of these topics and how they impact our communities
  • Moderated, open forum discussions and guest speakers on specific topics for further discussion
  • Book, Podcast and Movie Club discussions addressing equity and justice
  • Service and philanthropic opportunities to engage with, support, and highlight organizations doing important work to achieve equity and justice initiatives in our communities

Additionally, our diversity committee developed a strategic plan focused on four critical areas: professional development, recruitment and retention, education, and community.

  • We were honored to be selected by the Tallahassee Women Lawyers for the 2020 Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Award. The award recognizes those who display a leadership role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace and/or community. Read more here.
  • Other individual recognitions include:
    • Jenea Reed, Finalist, Lawyer of the Year, Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America, 2022
    • Kelly O'Keefe, Martha Barnett Women Lawyers of Achievement Award, Tallahassee Bar Association, 2022
    • Alison Miller, South Florida Business Journal, Influential Business Woman Honoree, 2021
    • Grace Mead, South Florida Business Journal, Business of Pride Outstanding Voices Honoree, 2020
    • Tallahassee Democrat’s 25 Women You Need to Know
      • Melanie Leitman, 2020
      • Kelly O'Keefe, 2019
    • Grace Mead, Benchmark Litigation, Top 250 Women in Litigation, 2018

Events: Cultural Differences in Negotiation
Sarasota County Bar Association |April 2023|Giselle Gutierrez

Events: GALLA (Gay & Lesbian Lawyer's Assn.) Candidate Reception Social Mixer
Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce |July 2022|Donell Andre Hicks

Publications: A Look Back at South Florida’s First Female United States Attorney
Women's White Collar Defense Association|April 2021|Maria Arhancet Fehretdinov

In the Media: Meet the 2021 Influential Business Women
South Florida Business Journal|April 2021

Events: Cafecito Chat: Racial Equity in Local Philanthropy
Association of Fundraising Professionals Miami Chapter |January 2021|Jenea M. Reed

Events: Transitioning Toward Authenticity: Issues Facing Transgender People
Delaware State Bar Association |December 2020|Grace Mead

In the Media: Roundtable Series: LGBTQ-friendly policies are smart for businesses
South Florida Business Journal|November 2020

In the Media: Meet the 2020 Business of Pride honorees: Grace Mead
South Florida Business Journal|June 2020

In the Media: Business of Pride - Announcing Our 2020 Outstanding Voices Honorees!
South Florida Business Journal|May 2020

Events: OUTLaw's Diversity in Law Panel
University of Miami School of Law |March 2019|Grace Mead

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