Diversity & Inclusion 2019



JW Standing in Solidarity

Racism, bigotry, and hate have no place in our society.  Jackson Walker stands united with the Black community – our colleagues, clients, and community partners – in the fight to end systemic racism and social injustice.  We believe that inequitable treatment of our fellow human beings is unacceptable.  As one of the oldest law firms in Texas, our response demands that we listen, learn, and work for equality.  Jackson Walker condemns and denounces all acts of racism and prejudice.  We stand in solidarity and can only progress in unity.

// Celebrating Perspectives

We believe diversity and inclusion make us better. By actively recruiting, retaining, and advancing a diverse team, we are better equipped to serve our sophisticated, global clients and contribute to making our communities better places.

Perspectives D&I Newsletter: October 2020

Explore the accomplishments of our diverse attorneys and their involvement within our communities.

Introducing Our 2019 Diversity & Inclusion Report

// Reflections From Our Managing Partner — February 2020

Wade Cooper video still from 2019 Diversity & Inclusion video
Wade Cooper's signature for 2019 Diversity & Inclusion Report

Wade Cooper
Managing Partner

When I joined Jackson Walker in 1981, we had 55 people in one office. Since then, we’ve transformed from a small law firm in Dallas to a firm with offices in seven cities and more than 400 lawyers. Our culture has also improved, especially in terms of diversity and inclusion, as we realized the value of embracing the unique backgrounds and perspectives of our colleagues. I’m proud to have had a front-seat view as Jackson Walker has become one of the largest firms in Texas and a strong competitor on the national scale.

But what’s the point of being competitive if you have a law firm you’re not proud of? At JW, that means sustaining a diverse practice that reflects the clients and communities we serve. A lot of credit belongs to Bruce Ruzinsky, whose work over the past decade as Chair of the Diversity Committee will carry on as Suzan Kedron steps into this role.

We’re proud of our people-centric culture and the success we have had over the years in how we recruit, develop, advance, and celebrate diverse talent, but there is more to be done. With change comes wonderful opportunities for growth, and I look forward to seeing our mosaic take a new shape as we work to continue providing excellent service to our clients.

2019 Diversity & Inclusion Report

Explore our efforts to recruit, develop, and advance diverse talent; foster an inclusive culture; serve our communities; celebrate our achievements; and partner with and contribute to local, regional, and national organizations.

// Q&A With Our D&I Leaders

What from 2019 are you most proud of, and what do you look forward to in 2020?

Bruce Ruzinsky video still from 2019 Diversity & Inclusion video

Bruce Ruzinsky | Outgoing D&I Committee Chair

“The most gratifying change is that at the management level. It is so great to have more women and diverse attorneys on the Management and Compensation committees, including Julia Mann, who had assumed the role of Managing Partner in San Antonio this past year. We have really increased the number of women and minorities participating in management. I want to see us do more, but it’s a nice start.”

Suzan Kedron video still from 2019 Diversity & Inclusion video

Suzan Kedron | Incoming D&I Committee Chair

“One of the things we’d like to roll out in 2020 are small group conversations—either over lunch or dinner—to get a feel for what our clients need and what our attorneys need to enhance their practice as it relates to diversity and inclusion.”

Diversity Breakdown

2019 Diversity Report Chart

82%

9 out of 11 newly elected partners are women and minorities

48%

9 out of 19 committees are led by women and minorities

35%

of the attorneys who serve on our Management, Compensation, and Hiring committees are women and minorities

Vault National Rankings: The Best Law Firms for Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

# 50

Diversity for Women

# 50

Diversity for Individuals with Disabilities

# 50

Overall Ranking

# 50