Balch & Bingham Releases 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Annual Report

As Balch and Bingham reflects on both progress made and our ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the firm, we are  pleased to release our 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Annual Report. This report highlights the firm’s ongoing efforts to advance and infuse DEI throughout the firm’s culture,, while also celebrating successes from the year.

“Our commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion is unwavering and our work is ongoing,” said Stan Blanton, Managing Partner and Brandi A. Russell, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Director of Talent Management. “As we reflect on the ways in which we are shaping the landscape for DE&I, we believe it is critical for all members of our firm to fully embrace our respective roles in building upon our foundation of success."

Notable accomplishments from the report include:

• Being 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 the firm’s Balch Business Boost program. 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.

• The Birmingham Business Journal also honored Stan Blanton in the Individual Award category 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.

• Being named a 2022 Compass Award winner by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD). This award recognizes law firms and corporations that demonstrate a strong commitment to building diverse organizations and a more inclusive legal profession. In addition, Managing Partner Stan Blanton was honored as a Leader at the Front, publicly committing to incorporating diversity and inclusion into organizational changes that are meaningful and measurable.

• Working to build and expand opportunities for growth through active affinity networks for our lawyers of color (Balch BLOCC) and women lawyers (Women’s Initiative).

• Launching a DEI Learning Series, which includes a series of learning modules that provide educational resources to empower our team to take an active role in supporting an inclusive culture.

• Implementing new hiring practices to support the firm’s DEI goals. As part of this effort, we have adopted a model that focuses on proactively identifying needs, expanding our reach when sourcing candidates, and maintaining consistent hiring procedures.