Key Diversity Initiatives
Through the efforts of the Diversity Committee, we have systematically implemented activities such as monitoring case assignments for participation of diverse attorneys; skill strengthening and mentoring for all attorneys; introducing diverse attorneys to key clients for fostering lasting relationships; and revision of Winstead's alternative work policy, mentoring program, and assignment systems.
Women's Alliance
In May 2007, the firm officially launched its first affinity group, the Women's Alliance. The Women's Alliance was organized to address topics of interest to women at the firm, such as business development and leadership opportunities, retention rates, and alternative work schedules.
Winstead's Women's Alliance is continuing to move forward with its goals and plans that were set in 2007. In May 2008, the Women's Alliance hosted three landmark business development and networking events for firm clients in Austin, Dallas and Houston. The events were designed to promote business development and networking opportunities for both clients and the Women's Alliance. Currently, the Women's Alliance continues to flourish as Winstead's female attorneys continue to participate in firmwide and local workshops and meetings to focus on issues affecting women in the legal profession.
Diversity Scholarship
In 2008, the Diversity Committee launched the Winstead Juris Doctor Scholarship, a scholarship program aimed to enhance the recruitment of diverse candidates at Texas law schools. Through the scholarship program, Winstead awards three $20,000 Winstead Juris Doctor Scholarships annually to first-year, underrepresented, diverse law students at the following Texas law schools: The University of Texas School of Law, The University of Houston Law Center, and Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.
Summer Associate Program Diversity
In 2008, Winstead ranked second and third, respectively, for the percentages of women summer associates and minority summer associates, according to a survey of the top 25 Texas law firms.
Organizations and Activities
Because diversity requires not just ideas, but action and support, in 2008 and 2009, Winstead actively participated in and sponsored a number of key organizations and events including the following (attorney leadership roles in parenthesis):
- Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship (Co-sponsor)
- Anti-Defamation League Torch of Liberty Dinner (Co-Chair)
- Chicano Hispanic Law Students Association – UT (Mentor)
- Texas Minority Corporate Counsel Program (Steering Committee)
- Asian American Bar Association of Houston
- National Bar Association Convention
- Hispanic Bar Association of Austin (Officer and Charitable Foundation Board Member)
- Hispanic Bar Association of Houston - President's Day
- Houston Association of Black Journalist Gala
- Houston Diversity Council (Winstead is a founding member)
- Thurgood Marshall Legal Society
- Tomorrow's Attorneys Pipeline Program
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