Diversity & Inclusion is a Priority for Legal Department
[/av_textblock] [av_textblock size='16' font_color='' color='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' admin_preview_bg=''] In many ways, the Legal Department plays a leading role in demonstrating the Company’s commitment to diversity. “Republic is committed to diversity and inclusion. To align with Republic’s values that embrace diversity and inclusion, we actively seek partnerships with vendors who also find value in hiring diverse professionals,” said Catharine Ellingsen, EVP, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, and Executive Sponsor of the Company’s Diversity and Inclusion Counsel. Catharine oversees the Legal Department’s diversity and inclusion partnerships and initiatives.One of the largest diversity initiatives in the Legal Department dates back to 2017. As part of a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for law firms handling Republic’s legal work, Catharine and her team created a formal statement reflecting Republic’s commitment to diversity which prioritizes law firms that share this commitment and provide opportunities for diverse attorneys. At the same time, the Legal Department created a Law Firm Diversity Survey to track diversity progress. The survey is sent to firms handling legal work for Republic and includes questions ranging from the number of minority and diverse attorneys at the firm, the extent to which those attorneys are handling matters for Republic, as well as what the firm is doing to promote diversity in its ranks.
Republic also has pledged to support the American Bar Association’s Resolution 113. In signing the pledge, the Legal Department is committed to participating in the Bar’s diversity survey and making diversity a factor in the selection of outside counsel.
Our diversity efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Texas Minority Council Program (TMCP) recognized Lawrence M., Senior Corporate Counsel, with the 2017 Corporate Counsel of the Year Award. The prestigious award is presented to one attorney annually who has consistently supported the TMCP’s goals of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
Republic also participates with the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) an organization to empower minority and women owned law firms.
Both Catharine and Lawrence are active in the TMCP and NAMWOLF and regularly speak at sponsored events.
The Legal Department is a shining example of championing diversity and inclusion.
For more information about Republic’s diversity and inclusion strategy and helpful resources, visit the Diversity and Inclusion SharePoint site.!
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posted on 08/15/2019
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