Diversity

As a leading full- service law firm in a rapidly growing and very diverse state, it is our aim to reflect the diversity of Florida, not for diversity's sake, but because it will expand our understanding of people and cultures and enhance our ability to deliver excellent service to our clients.

We value our employees and our clients. For our employees, we are committed to fair treatment, recognition of individuality, encouragement to achieve, and reward for accomplishment. For our clients, we strive to deliver the highest quality service and maintain long-term relationships. We want our clients to be comfortable with us, not only because we are good at what we do, but because we are sensitive to the unique needs and cultural differences of the individuals, organizations and communities we serve.

Our efforts to increase diversity within the Firm have now been formalized through the creation and implementation of the Ruden McClosky Diversity Plan and Diversity Initiative and we are doing our part through scholarship initiatives and 'pipeline' development to increase diversity in the legal profession.

The Vision
To be known as a highly competent law firm that is inclusive and diverse.

Our Mission
At Ruden McClosky, we believe that our attorneys and staff are our most valuable assets, and that our success begins with their success. Through our proactive recruiting policies and our training and mentoring programs, we endeavor to build a well diversified, highly competent team of attorneys and staff, which operates on the principles of inclusion and cultural diversity. This collective talent is our product and positions us as a cutting-edge, 21st century law firm

I. Representation
Ruden McClosky is committed to increasing and maintaining diversity at all levels. With the guidance of a national diversity consulting group, the Firm has designed programs to increase and retain minority attorneys. Ruden McClosky aggressively recruits minority attorneys and staff members and encourages them to participate in firm management and committees.

Ruden McClosky recognizes that in order to have more diversity in law firms, there must be greater diversity in law schools. The Firm's response was to initiate a scholarship program, The "Ruden Scholar" program for minority law students, in 2005. The Firm is also a long-term sponsor of the National Bar Association Crump Law Camp for high school students, a program that benefits primarily minority high school students.

The Firms early diversity efforts have been recognized nationally. In 2005, Ruden McClosky was recognized for its diversity by Multicultural Law Magazine and by Daily Business Review. In 2006, the Firm received the National Bar Association Crump Law Camp Partnership Award, and again in 2006, Ruden McClosky was recognized by Multicultural Law Magazine, ranking 68th among national law firms for its diversity.

II. Education and Training
Following two years of planning, Ruden McClosky's Diversity Initiative was launched firm wide. The Firm recognized that education and training are key to a quality firm culture where there is respect for similarities as well as differences. All personnel were invited to meetings and videoconferences that were held simultaneously in each of the Firms 10 Florida offices. Branded with the theme 'Diversity in Practice', the campaign to introduce the 'Ruden McClosky Diversity Initiative' and the new 'Diversity Happenings' area on the Firms Intranet was enthusiastically received.

Ruden Diversity Awareness Training (RDAT) is being provided for all personnel, and as new employees are hired, each will receive training in their first year of employment. The six-hour program comprises cultural awareness, sensitivity training, as well as legal issues related to discrimination and harassment. In addition, personnel with management responsibilities will receive performance management training, and those participating in mentor programs will also receive training. All personnel involved in recruiting and hiring will receive additional training in EEO and interviewing techniques.

III. Culture and Worklife.
An enhanced Firm culture and satisfying work life for all personnel are the desired outcomes of an effective diversity program. A key component of the Ruden McClosky Diversity Initiative is the design and implementation of ongoing training programs that will heighten cultural, ethnic, racial and physical sensitivity among personnel.

A centerpiece of the Diversity Initiative is "Diversity Happenings", an area of the Firm's Intranet site devoted to diversity and personnel news and information. This site serves multiple functions within the Firm and charts notable diversity events, published articles, meetings, and the many charitable and philanthropic activities the Firm supports, as well as birthdays and anniversaries of all personnel. It even features personnel at all Ruden McClosky offices. Through candid and group photographs, members of the firm around the state can become acquainted with each other. A new website 'splash' page highlights one aspect of Ruden McCloskys diversity each month through contributions by personnel.

IV. Policies Review
No plan can be successful without a leader to guide its implementation and measure its progress. Recognizing this, the partners of Ruden McClosky established the new role of Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) in 2004. The CDO is a partner in the firm charged with overseeing the Diversity Initiative, providing leadership for the Diversity Committee, and ensuring implementation of the Diversity Plan.

Diversity Committee
Evett L. Simmons, Partner, Chief Diversity Officer
Port St. Lucie

Carl Schuster, Managing Director
Fort Lauderdale

Members
Michael Bakst, Partner
West Palm Beach

Debra Boje, Partner
Tampa

Hope Calhoun, Partner
Fort Lauderdale

Karen K. Crew, Partner
Miami

Richard J. Jablonski, HR Director
Fort Lauderdale

Michael H. Krul, Partner
Fort Lauderdale

Terrence J. Russell, Partner
Fort Lauderdale