The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that its Phoenix office has been honored by the Arizona Diversity Council with the first-ever Corporate DiversityFIRST™ Leadership Award for its outstanding accomplishments in the promotion and advancement of diversity through inclusion and strong leadership. The firm was honored with individual and fellow business award winners, respectively, during a luncheon at Arizona State University’s West Campus on September 22.
“Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Quarles & Brady’s everyday efforts in mentoring and developing exceptional attorneys, as well as weaved into our business practices,” said Nicole Stanton, Quarles & Brady Phoenix office managing partner. “We are proud that our team does not fit any ‘typical’ mold. Rather, we shine as diverse and distinguished individuals and professionals that enjoy an environment that provides opportunities for continued learning and excellence in cultural competency.”
Quarles is involved in a host of initiatives, both internally and externally, that place significant value on and demonstrate its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“A recent point of pride has been our partnership with the Latina Mentoring Project on a major fall networking program, which brought together judges, attorneys and law students in recent weeks,” says Stanton. “In addition to hosting the event, we were proud to welcome Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court Scott Bales as our honorary guest speaker. The high turnout and esteemed program speak volumes on the need for more diversity focused leadership programming in the Valley, which we intend to lead the charge to provide.”
Stanton also notes the firm is particularly proud of its Phoenix Business Law Practice Group, who recently has signed on to sponsor the Vendeme tu Sueno (Pitch Us Your Dream) competition, a partnership between Seed Spot and Univision wherein entrepreneurs compete for a chance at mentorship, office space, and capital. The program is part of Univision Contigo’s Hispanic Entrepreneurship Campaign, and members of the Phoenix office are serving as mentors to the semifinalists and finalists.
“In addition, the hiring team at Quarles & Brady distinguishes itself as a leader in diversity through its holistic perspective toward future employees,” said Stanton.
The firm recruits at institutions with high percentages of diverse lawyers and regularly attends minority job fairs. Minority scholarships and internships are also offered and provided to those who qualify, in order to develop potential talent.
“When a diverse attorney is hired, they are given a diverse mentor to guide them in their career path. Additionally, every few years, the firm holds a diversity retreat for diverse lawyers to hear from speakers on pertinent topics and engage in career development training,” says Stanton.
Quarles is also involved in a host of external initiatives, working with other organizations including the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession and United States Law Firm Group Committees on Women and Racial Diversity, among others
