Recent Initiatives of The Diversity Task Force

Recent Initiatives of the Diversity Task Force Include the Following:

• Organizers and panelists at the 2009 Asian American Bar Association's Law Forum
• Sponsor of University of Wisconsin Law School's annual LEO (Legal Education Opportunities) Banquet 2008, 2009, 2010 
• Diversity presentation by Dr. Arin Reeves of The Athens Group to the firm partnership and associates
• Established scholarship with Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago-Kent College of Law to reward excellence in legal writing and contribution to diversity
• Sponsor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Dinner 2008, 2009, 2010 
• Hosted breakfast and presented panel discussion on life as an associate at SmithAmundsen for minority students (2008 and 2009)
• Increase the firm’s profile at law schools within the Midwest to improve our name recognition with both students and recent graduates including sponsorship and support of the Thurgood Marshall trial team
• Develop relationships with law school minority organizations to create mutually beneficial connections
• Meet with law school placement officials to identify qualified minority candidates for positions at our firm
• Increase participation in diversity programs in our communities
• Promote sensitivity to and respect for the cultural differences within the firm