Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We take great care to cultivate a workforce that embraces the many different perspectives, backgrounds and cultures of our attorneys, staff and profession. We focus on hiring, retaining and advancing top quality attorneys and staff, maintaining leadership throughout our community and supporting diversity initiatives that are dedicated to increasing diversity in the legal profession.

We are committed to setting an example in the communities in which we live and work, and raising the standards for diverse workplaces both in the legal industry and beyond. Our efforts span past the efforts of our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council and touch every part of our work, from engaging with a broad range of clients and developing a diverse workforce, to supporting organizations and developing initiatives that encourage diversity in the legal profession.

We are dedicated to providing a work environment where people of all backgrounds, ages, colors, genders, races, national origins, religions, sexual orientations or disabilities, are valued for their perspectives, skills and talent.

 

Learn more about one of our initiatives,  the

Susan B. Livingston Boot Camp for Success

 

 

 

Some of Our Programs
  • Balch Business Boost

    We believe diversity and equality bring tangible value to our communities. As we considered ways we could better support our neighbors, we developed Balch Business Boost, a program to support entrepreneurs of color and/or women-owned businesses and start-ups by providing free or low-cost legal services. 

    We are undertaking this effort to help entrepreneurs and businesses thrive, which in turn benefits our entire economy. The program leverages the experience and talents of a full-service law firm 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. Through this program, we aim to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth that will unlock the potential for advancement for many across our footprint.

    Learn More >>

  • Susan B. Livingston Boot Camp for Success

    To encourage more diversity in the legal profession, Balch & Bingham created a signature program that provides future lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds with the tools they need to be successful in law school and when launching their careers. In 2011, we hosted our first Boot Camp for Success to equip minority law students with the tools needed to be successful during law school and throughout their future as attorneys. Each year, we invite minority and underrepresented law students from schools across the Southeast to attend a two-day program to gain a deeper understanding of the legal profession and the variety of careers available to law school graduates.

    The seminar is led by Balch attorneys, corporate leaders and other accomplished attorneys from a wide variety of backgrounds and career paths who deliver candid presentations and participate in panel discussions about ways students can enhance their academic and professional success while maximizing law school opportunities. Sessions include a mock law class, tips on how to study and be academically successful during the first year of law school, and a session featuring seasoned attorneys sharing advice about the job search process, specifically focused on developing interview skills and avoiding common missteps. The program is named after the late Susan B. Livingston, partner and former chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee.

  • Women’s Initiative Program

    Balch’s Women’s Initiative is committed to helping women achieve success. We are committed to the retention, professional growth and advancement of our female attorneys. Understanding the unique challenges women face in the workforce, we created a women’s mentoring program to mentor new female attorneys and assist in their overall professional development, while building long-term relationships and lasting legal careers, and advancing leadership of women at Balch.

  • Supporting Diversity in Our Communities

    We are committed to continuing to increase diversity within our communities and actively engage with many initiatives and events. From serving in leadership positions for nonprofits that advance diversity in our communities, to sponsoring activities that celebrate inclusion, we strive to help build diverse communities and to join conversations that celebrate similarities and differences.