Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Robinson Bradshaw, we are committed to fostering a welcoming culture that values all people, regardless of race, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, creed or disability. Our efforts take many shapes, including enhancing recruitment and retention practices, implementing internal structures and practices to support all of our employees, and championing community initiatives that promote diversity-related causes.

Robinson Bradshaw is a Mansfield Certified firm, recognizing the deliberate steps we have taken to increase and sustain diversity within the firm and our leadership. This achievement demonstrates that the firm is considering a diverse group of lawyers, including underrepresented racial and ethnic lawyers, women lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers and lawyers with disabilities, for job openings, promotions, leadership roles and more. To achieve Mansfield Certification, Robinson Bradshaw collaborated with Diversity Lab to create, implement and maintain built-in measurement, transparency and accountability mechanisms that further these goals.

A number of diverse and women attorneys hold leadership roles within Robinson Bradshaw, including as members of our board of directors, general counsel, practice group leaders and firm committee chairs. Our Recruiting and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committees actively work together to improve the diversity of our pool of candidates and to ensure attorneys receive continual support and encouragement once they join the firm. This includes affinity groups to provide support, mentoring and relationship-building for women attorneys and lawyers of color. The firm also recognizes the importance of continual engagement on diversity, equity and inclusion, which is advanced by regular outside programming and firmwide conversations.

In addition to internal efforts, Robinson Bradshaw is committed to promoting diversity in our legal communities. We work alongside the Mecklenburg County Bar and other law firms to increase bar diversity in many ways, including by our support of the bar's Diversity & Inclusion Committee at the highest level. Robinson Bradshaw was an original signatory of its 2004 Call to Action, and firm attorney Robert E. Harrington served as one of the committee’s founding co-chairs. Additionally, we have participated in the Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship program since 2006. The program attracts top first-year law students with diverse backgrounds to Charlotte through corporate and law firm summer internships, including at Robinson Bradshaw. The firm is also proud to be a member of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, an organization of more than 300 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners who are committed to building a truly diverse legal profession. Through this membership, our attorneys have access to networking opportunities and development programs with peers across the country.

Robinson Bradshaw and our attorneys have received recognition for our efforts in promoting and cultivating diversity. The firm received the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity's Compass Award, Robert E. Harrington and Angelique R. Vincent were named to Business North Carolina's Dynamic Diversity List, and Harrington received the Mecklenburg County Bar's Julius L. Chambers Diversity Champion Award.

Our practice stretches across the globe, and we believe our firm should reflect the diverse world we serve. Our clients receive the best results when different voices and perspectives are at the table together. We recognize there is room for growth, and we remain committed to our pursuit of a diverse, equitable and inclusive firm.

Affinity Groups

The Robinson Bradshaw Women’s Initiative creates and supports opportunities for female attorney mentorship and relationship-building, both internally and externally. The affinity group aims to promote open communication and support at all levels to better assist female attorneys on their individual paths to success. Through community involvement, educational programming and professional networking, the Robinson Bradshaw Women’s Initiative continues to foster the inclusive environment that our firm prides itself in upholding.

The Lawyers of Color Affinity Group provides community and support for Robinson Bradshaw lawyers of color. The affinity group supports the efforts of lawyers of color to expand their networks and form relationships within and outside of the firm. Through networking activities, programming, and outreach, the group endeavors to make a lasting impact on our attorneys and our community. The Lawyers of Color Affinity Group works closely with Robinson Bradshaw’s other diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to further the firm’s goals.

RB+PRIDE is an affinity group for LGBTQ+ lawyers and staff, along with their committed allies. RB+PRIDE aims to further advance Robinson Bradshaw’s goal of maintaining an environment where attorneys and staff with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities can thrive. To do so, the group focuses on promoting mentoring and sponsorship opportunities for LGBTQ+ attorneys and staff within the firm; providing opportunities to socialize, connect and deepen ties among LGBTQ+ legal professionals in the broader community; facilitating volunteer efforts and providing pro bono opportunities related to challenges and legal issues facing the LGBTQ+ community; and advocating for policies and practices within the firm and beyond to further the success and retention of LGBTQ+ individuals.

The Robinson Bradshaw Multicultural Staff Alliance celebrates, advocates and empowers professional staff of all colors and cultures. Through fellowship, volunteerism and engagement, the group promotes cultural awareness and community throughout Robinson Bradshaw and beyond. The Multicultural Staff Alliance works together with the firm’s DEI committee to create an inclusive, supportive environment at the firm.