ATLANTA – January 4, 2021 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce that the firm has implemented a new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Hours Policy to provide billable hours credit for attorneys who participate in internal and external projects that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Through this policy, Ogletree Deakins attorneys can earn up to 50 hours towards their annual billable hour target. DE&I projects that qualify for this program include leadership positions and other active involvement within the firm’s Business Resource Groups, diversity-specific bar associations and committees, and legal associations with the identified goal of advancing diversity in the legal profession. Representing the firm at diversity-based job fairs and other DE&I-specific recruiting events is also approved under the new policy.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment where people can thrive professionally,” said Matt Keen, managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins. “Our DE&I policy supports and encourages engagement in activities that further DE&I at the firm and in the legal profession in a meaningful way.”
This policy is the latest step in Ogletree Deakins’ mission to promote diversity and inclusion, both internally and externally. In 2020, the firm launched Ogletree Deakins Act (Act, Change, and Transform) with a goal of taking immediate action to foster racial equality by focusing on voter education and leave, criminal justice reform, and local office and client initiatives. The leadership group is comprised of members from all sectors of the firm, including the Board of Directors, the C-Suite, administrative support teams, and attorneys.
About Ogletree Deakins
Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Premier client service, as outlined in the firm’s Client Pledge, is one of the firm’s top priorities and a cornerstone of its core values. U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 10 consecutive years. In 2021, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Litigation – Labor & Employment category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 900 attorneys located in 53 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, from small businesses to Fortune 50 companies. www.ogletree.com