Ogletree Deakins Unveils “Culture of Caring” Program to Promote Mental Health and Well-Being

ATLANTA – May 29, 2024 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, in collaboration with Kendra Brodin of EsquireWell, is proud to unveil “Culture of Caring,” an important program dedicated to fostering a supportive and thriving work environment for legal professionals. This initiative is at the forefront of addressing mental health awareness in the legal sector and reflects the firm’s commitment to its core values of open communication, mutual respect, collaboration, and inclusion.

The Culture of Caring program equips Ogletree Deakins’ colleagues with strategies and tools to promote high performance and strong teamwork, while also providing guidance on how to support peers facing challenges. Endorsed by the firm’s top leadership and driven by its Board of Directors, the program receives additional support from the firm’s Well-Being Working Group, which comprises attorneys and department leaders from across the firm’s footprint.

“The well-being of colleagues throughout the firm is paramount to the success of Ogletree Deakins. With the Culture of Caring initiative, we are taking a definitive step towards creating an environment where every individual is supported and empowered to reach their full potential,” said Liz Washko, managing shareholder at Ogletree Deakins. “This program is more than just a set of policies; it is a reflection of our commitment to the holistic success of our people. We foster a culture where mental health is prioritized, open dialogue is encouraged, and collaboration is intrinsic.”

Ogletree Deakins Culture of Caring program commenced in December 2023 with a mandatory one-hour interactive learning session for all Ogletree Deakins colleagues, including new hires as part of their onboarding process. Firm leaders participated in an extended version of the initial training, delivered by Kendra Brodin, who is also making Culture of Caring available as a standalone offering to her clients nationwide.

Following the initial rollout, which saw overwhelming participation with more than 95 percent of the firm’s 54 offices hosting in-office viewings, Ogletree Deakins is now advancing more in-depth, longer term pilot programs in select local offices and administrative departments. These pilots, overseen by Well-Being Working Group chair Erin McClernon, will serve as models for other branches and departments to implement. The Culture of Caring framework is set to be integrated into daily operations and routines across the firm, with an expectation that it will become a cornerstone of the firm’s culture. The program’s introduction has been met with enthusiastic feedback, with team members across the firm expressing appreciation for the initiative and the proactive approach to supporting the well-being of all employees.

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. Best Law Firms^® has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 13 consecutive years. In the 2024 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Employment Law – Management category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 975 attorneys located in 54 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S. www.ogletree.com