Balch Named Leader in Diversity by the Birmingham Business Journal; Stan Blanton Named Outstanding CEO

Balch & Bingham has been named a leader in diversity by The Birmingham Business Journal in its 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Awards. The firm was recognized in the ‘Outstanding Initiative or Program’ category for the firm’s work in establishing and implementing Balch Business Boost, a program that supports entrepreneurs of color and/or women-owned businesses and start-ups with free or low-cost legal services. This category recognizes a specific initiative or program within an organization that has made a measurable impact in advancing opportunities among underserved populations within the community.

In addition, Stan Blanton, managing partner, has been named a 2022 Diversity Awards Winner by the Birmingham Business Journal. Stan was recognized in the ‘Individual Award’ category, which honors leaders who have proven to be champions of diversity in their companies, their industries and the metro Birmingham community. Stan is being honored as an Outstanding CEO, an award identifying top executives who are leading the charge in creating work cultures that foster diversity and inclusion, spearheading tangible change within their organization, industry or community. 

In 2020, in light of racially- charged tragedies, Stan recognized that as a firm, Balch had an opportunity to consider ways the firm could better support their communities. It was through his leadership that the firm's Balch Business Boost program was born.

Balch Business Boost leverages the experience and talents of Balch attorneys to help emerging and established minority- and women-owned businesses navigate legal and entrepreneurial challenges to building and sustaining success, ultimately helping these businesses fuel growth, eliminate barriers and spark momentum. The program gives Balch attorneys the opportunity to employ their creative and collaborative approach in a manner that gives back to the community, and empowers talented individuals. 

In 2021, Stan was instrumental in creating a dedicated leadership role to direct the firm’s diversity, inclusion and recruitment efforts, thereby elevating Balch’s commitment to these important initiatives. In February 2021, Brandi Russell joined the firm as its first Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Director of Talent Management. In this role, Brandi works with firm leadership to identify and address opportunities to enhance diversity and inclusion at every level. 

Recently, the firm joined The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), an organization made up of more than 400 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners from across the country. Stan serves as Balch’s representative to LCLD. Stan’s involvement speaks to his actionable commitment to building a truly diverse legal profession. 

As managing partner, Stan oversees the strategic direction of the firm’s 11 offices across the Southeast, Texas and Washington, D.C. He also leads the firm’s Nuclear Energy Practice, and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading lawyers in nuclear regulation and policy. Stan was also previously named an Executive of Influence by the Birmingham Business Journal and is recognized in Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America and Mid-South Super Lawyers.