50 Years of Fostering Belonging
For 50 years, GRSM has made significant strides in fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels a sense of belonging. As our diversity and inclusion initiatives have evolved over the years, the firm’s commitment to creating a workplace that values equity and representation has remained consistent.
“Diversity is not just a goal, it’s part of our DNA. We strive to cultivate an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.”
Early Initiatives: Laying the Groundwork
In the 1990s, GRSM recognized the importance of diversity in the legal profession and began implementing programs promoting inclusivity. These foundational efforts included the establishment of the Diversity Committee and mentorship programs designed to support underrepresented attorneys within the firm.
“Our early initiatives were focused on building community and support among our diverse attorneys.”
Accolades & Recognition
GRSM’s dedication to diversity and inclusion has not gone unnoticed. Key highlights include:
- Mansfield Certification – underscoring the firm’s commitment to diversity in leadership.
- Recognized for diversity by Law360, National Law Journal, and American Lawyer.
- 35+% women partners, well above the national average of 28%.
- Consistently achieving a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
In terms of metrics:
C-level roles at GRSM are held by individuals from underrepresented groups.
of practice group leaders are women or diverse attorneys, exceeding national averages.
of office managing partners are women or diverse attorneys, exceeding national averages.
“Recognition is important, but it’s the impact we have on our people that truly matters. We are proud of our achievements, but we remain focused on continuous improvement and genuine inclusion.”
Diversity Efforts and Initiatives
GRSM has implemented various initiatives to support diverse attorneys:
- LEAD Program: Focused recruitment, mentoring, and business development for diverse attorneys.
- Affinity Groups: These are supportive spaces for underrepresented groups and allies of these communities, including African American, Asian American Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ+, and South Asian communities. Our Affinity Groups create meaningful conversations and connections, fostering personal and professional growth across the firm.
Celebrating Diversity: Events and Training
In addition to formal programs, GRSM actively celebrates diversity through various events and training sessions. From cultural awareness workshops to panel discussions featuring diverse voices, the firm strives to create a culture of learning and respect.
“Our events are designed not just to celebrate diversity but to educate and engage our attorneys,” notes Hardy. “It’s about creating conversations that foster understanding and collaboration.”
Focus on Mentorship
Emphasizing GRSM’s commitment to fostering fairness and advancing diverse attorneys, the firm emphasizes mentorship and provides equitable leadership opportunities to support growth.
“GRSM walks the walk when it comes to diversity. Our diverse lawyers thrive, making GRSM a great workplace.”
The Path Forward: Commitment to Continued Progress
As we look to the future, GRSM remains committed to enhancing its diversity and inclusion efforts. The firm acknowledges that there is still work to be done and is dedicated to addressing challenges and creating opportunities for all employees.
“GRSM will continue to prioritize a culture where diversity is celebrated, and the members of our workforce proudly reflect the wonderfully multi-faceted communities and clientele we represent across the country,” said Dion Cominos, Firmwide Managing Partner.
Learn More About Diversity at GRSM