1 | RACIAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY RACIAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY | 2 FROM EXECUTIVE PARTNER, BARRY WOLF Thirty years ago, under the leadership of my mentor Ira Millstein, Weil embarked on its first formal diversity, equity and inclusion effort. Weil proudly served as a pilot firm for the New York City Bar Association’s diversity efforts, becoming one of the first firms in New York City to conduct surveys, draft policies and develop mandatory training with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ira blazed a trail in the legal profession to ensure that our Firm lived up to the legacy established by its founders, who formed the firm in the face of discrimination. Over these years, we have learned that complacency is the biggest threat to achieving inclusion and that we must maintain focus and strive continually to amplify our efforts to be truly equitable. The country’s response in 2020 to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery among others had the potential to mark a watershed moment for racial equity, but we all asked the question: Was the response simply a moment or movement? Our answer has been clear. We have made the decision to be part of a movement. Two years later, our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion has not waned in the slightest. On the contrary, we have doubled down. I have had the privilege to meet monthly since early 2021 with two advisory boards, one comprised of Black partners and the other of Black associates and counsel. It is not always easy to hear about the racism and prejudice that our Black attorneys have experienced in their professional and personal lives, but it is essential for me as a leader to understand their experiences. There are some situations that I can empathize with, since I was the first in my family to work in this kind of environment, but I also know that as a white man many of my experiences simply do not translate. Our goal is simple yet powerful: for all Black attorneys and staff to feel invested in and have a great professional experience at Weil. By investment, we mean equitable mentoring, sponsorship, training, and providing opportunities, which are all essential to developing as a professional. Law firms are in the talent business. Our talent is our most valuable asset, and we must invest in our talent – all of our talent – if we are to thrive now and into the future. Together we can make a difference if we are purposeful and intentional in investing in our BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) talent. I hope each of you will join me in doing our part to make a powerful difference for our Firm, our talent, our clients, and our communities.
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