Winstead's Diversity Committee identifies develops, plans and implements business opportunities for the recruitment, retention and promotion of attorneys of color and women attorneys at our firm.

For example, Winstead's Diversity Committee discovers and evaluates events such as conferences and other networking opportunities that promote its minority and women attorneys. The committee also determines areas of improvement in our mentoring and inclusion of diverse attorneys.

At the start of 2007, our Diversity Committee launched the Year of the Woman, a full-year awareness and education initiative supported by the establishment of our first affinity group – the Women's Alliance.

Organized to address topics of interest to women at the firm, the Women’s Alliance considers such concerns as business development, leadership opportunities, retention and alternative work schedules, which benefit and strengthen the firm as a whole.

Through the efforts of the Diversity Committee, we have systematically implemented such activities as: 

• Monitoring case assignments for participation of diverse attorneys 
• Skill strengthening and mentoring for all attorneys 
• Introducing diverse attorneys to key clients and fostering lasting relationships 
• Review and revision of Winstead’s alternative work policy, mentoring program and assignment systems

Committee Accountability

The strategies and programs emanating from our Diversity Committee receive monthly review and performance analysis by the CEO and the Executive Committee. The committee is held accountable by our executives.

From increasing the number of minorities at the associate and partnership levels, to expanding networks with minority associations and adding a minority focus to mentoring programs, Winstead’s Diversity Committee seeks to set the standard of today’s diverse workplace.