Diversity Central to Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek's identity is the notion that we are challenging, redefining, advancing. Nowhere is this more evident than in our longstanding commitment to diversity and gender initiatives both within our firm and in the communities where our firm resides.
For us it begins with the belief that diversity and gender initiatives should be more than intention or policy. They should be part of a culture, and that means we are in actions everyday to improve the fabric of our firm. Perhaps most important, it means measuring our progress every step of the way and inviting others to do the same. Our firm leadership recognizes that senior partner direction is essential to building and sustaining diversity as a core value in our firm. To that end, Michael Klinker is held accountable for such direction and is entrusted with the necessary authority and resources.
Today, our people continue to play leading roles in organizations that are advancing diversity in Southeast Wisconsin. They include Latino Arts, Inc., Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, 100 Black Men of Greater Milwaukee, YMCA Black Achievers Program Steering Committee, Nativity School, Bernice Rose Scholarship Fund, Future Milwaukee, Inc., Milwaukee Mosaic Partnerships, University of Wisconsin Law School, Marquette University Law School, University of Wisconsin Law School Legal Education Opportunities Program, State Bar of Wisconsin Diversity Outreach Committee, State Bar of Wisconsin Minority Clerkship Program, State Bar of Wisconsin Diversity Counsel Program, and the Institute for Diversity Education and Leadership.
Our leadership team continues its steadfast commitment to building a culture in which anyone would feel welcome. Our recruitment programs continue to increase the number of women and minority attorneys in our firm. In a recent summer associate program, two-thirds of the associates were women and one-third were African Americans. Comments from our summer associates included:
"This summer I have had the opportunity to acquire substantial substantive experience and work for a firm that is fully invested in establishing an environment that attracts and sustains diversity. "
"Being a summer associate here has allowed me to have a full complement of work opportunities from drafting discovery, pleadings, and trial briefs, to participating in firm-wide activities. I appreciated that I was part of the firm's diverse summer associate class. In addition to providing its summer associates with assignments that enhance their personal and professional growth, the firm strives to create a work environment that is open and supportive."
Diversity is an essential element as we build on our 60-year legacy of client success and redefine what it means to be a leading law firm. Through different perspectives and measurable progress in diversity, our clients and we continue to benefit both personally and professionally.