Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
My overarching objective is to foster an environment of greater understanding, inclusivity, and equity so that every member of Winston & Strawn has an equal opportunity to succeed and achieve their highest potential.
Sylvia James, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
My overarching objective is to foster an environment of greater understanding, inclusivity, and equity so that every member of Winston & Strawn has an equal opportunity to succeed and achieve their highest potential.
Sylvia James, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
At Winston & Strawn, greater diversity, equity, and inclusion is a high priority that starts at the top with our strategic business plan that guides firmwide development and operations.
Our vision is to cultivate a culture where all talented contributors can have, and can see, a path to long-term success. We back this up with measurable, high-impact goals, and numerous recruitment, retention, and advancement initiatives for our women, racial/ethnic minority, and LGBTQ+ attorneys and professional staff.
At Winston, we are delivering measurable and long-lasting change by firmly embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into the firm’s cultural DNA.
Kobi Kennedy Brinson, Charlotte Partner, Chair of Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Demographics & Leadership
The 5 Key DE&I Objectives at Winston & Strawn
Our plan to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion is built on five pillars:
- Career
- Culture
- Clients
- Communication
- Community
Affinity Groups
Winston’s Affinity Groups play a critical role in the recruitment, retention, and advancement of diverse attorneys throughout the firm. These groups serve as a platform for networking, mentorship, professional development, and empowerment at all levels.
My involvement in WALI has enabled me to grow my personal network, both internally and externally. The relationships I’ve developed with numerous partners and associates have been a key source for advice and mentorship, new and interesting assignments, and friendships.
Nasir Hussain, WALI Associate Advisor to D&I Committee
In 2020, as part of our long-standing efforts to combat racial inequity, Winston created the Racial Justice and Equity CEASE Initiative, and we pledged 100,000 pro bono hours to advance racial equity. This pledge represents a $50 million investment over five years.
We also established an internal Racial Equity Task Force, which conducted a thorough review of the firm’s internal systems, processes, and practices to ensure historically underrepresented lawyers and staff have equal opportunities to succeed.
While we have made great strides in terms of fostering greater diversity, equity and inclusion in our firm, the legal field and the communities in which we operate, we remain vigilant and nimble to ensure our actions continue to address the dynamic environment in which we live and always reflect our long-standing commitment to remedying inequities.
In 2020, as part of our long-standing efforts to combat racial inequity, Winston created the Racial Justice and Equity CEASE Initiative, and we pledged 100,000 pro bono hours to advance racial equity. This pledge represents a $50 million investment over five years.
We also established an internal Racial Equity Task Force, which conducted a thorough review of the firm’s internal systems, processes, and practices to ensure historically underrepresented lawyers and staff have equal opportunities to succeed.
While we have made great strides in terms of fostering greater diversity, equity and inclusion in our firm, the legal field and the communities in which we operate, we remain vigilant and nimble to ensure our actions continue to address the dynamic environment in which we live and always reflect our long-standing commitment to remedying inequities.
Awards & Recognitions
Scored 100 on the Corporate Equality Index for 15 consecutive years
Achieved Mansfield Certification Plus status every year since its inception
Named a Top 50 Law Firm for Women in 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2017
Earned MCCA Approved 2023 GOLD Seal
Received 2023 Aspire Diversity Award
Named a 2022 Change Agent
Received the 2022 Compass Award
Received the 2022 Culture and Diversity Award
Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Winston’s long-standing Diversity & Inclusion Committee is chaired by Charlotte Partner Kobi Kennedy Brinson and leads the Firm’s strategic plan to enhance Winston’s diversity and inclusion programs, performance, and profile on a number of fronts. The firm’s D&I Committee includes diverse attorneys and senior staff from a broad range of practice groups and offices, and many members of the committee identify as racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, or are women. Additionally, five office managing partners serve on the committee and nearly half of the attorneys who serve on the D&I Committee are also members of the firm’s Executive Committee.
Attorney & Professional Staff Members
Attorney & Professional Staff Members
Associate Advisors to the Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Associate Advisors to the Diversity & Inclusion Committee
For more information on Winston’s diversity, equity, and inclusion program or to request a copy of the diversity data for our London office, please contact Sylvia James, Winston & Strawn’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer.