Global law firm Goodwin announced today the launch of its Black Anti-Racism Task Force. The 17-person task force is comprised of Goodwin’s senior management and Black leaders, including partners, associates, and global operations team members. The task force will work to address anti-Black racism in the legal industry and in Goodwin’s communities, and will examine the firm’s global systems, processes, and practices to improve the experience and career trajectories of Goodwin’s Black lawyers and global operations team members.
“At Goodwin, we are committed to creating transformative change as we strive to become the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive law firm in the industry,” said Goodwin Chairman Robert Insolia. “Through the newly established Black Anti-Racism Task Force, we are developing a roadmap for fostering change at an individual and systemic level, and we are hopeful that our efforts will be helpful to others in expanding networks and opportunities to the Black community within the legal industry.”
Among others, the Black Anti-Racism Task Force will focus on the following objectives:
- Nourish a vibrant culture of inclusion by helping all members of the firm gain an understanding of and commitment to building an inclusive culture as an ongoing practice.
- Create a deep sense of inclusion for Black lawyers and global operations team members by engaging in specific actions to foster connections, build trust, and promote the visibility of the Black community.
- Ensure Black lawyers have sustained and significant access to client development opportunities as well as increased participation in profile-raising conferences, speaking and writing opportunities, and client connections.
- Enhance recruiting efforts for Black lawyers and global operations team members, at all levels.
- Expand the task force’s impact beyond Goodwin’s walls to outside organizations and the networks in which the firm operates.
The Black Anti-Racism Task Force partners with Goodwin’s existing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including CRED@Goodwin, a committee on racial and ethnic diversity that works to ensure career advancement for lawyers of color; Pride@Goodwin, a partner-led initiative focused on building a strong network of LGBTQ+ professionals and allies; and Women@Goodwin, which actively supports the firm’s goals to attract, retain, develop, and advance women at all stages of their careers.
For more details, read the Black Anti-Racism Task Force mission statement.