(Memphis, TN/May 6, 2008) Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC has been named among the "Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity" and the "Top 100 Law Firms for Women" by MultiCultural Law, a magazine focused on diversity in the legal profession.
"A basic principle of the Firm's values is our commitment to attracting and retaining the best and brightest people who embrace our shared beliefs of integrity, diversity, accomplishment and mutual respect," said Ben Adams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baker Donelson. "Our Diversity Program and the Women's Initiative have been successful in recruiting, mentoring and retaining minority and women attorneys. We believe this is a key factor in the ongoing success of Baker Donelson as a whole."
This is the fourth consecutive year that Baker Donelson has been ranked among MultiCultural Law's top firms for diversity. "Baker Donelson continues to be recognized because we incorporate our Diversity Program and Women's Initiative into all aspects of the Firm," said Mark A. Baugh, Chair of the Firm's Diversity Committee. "Recruitment and professional development as well as pro bono and public service are all linked to these initiatives to ensure our Firm comprises a diversity of voices and backgrounds."
Since the launch of Baker Donelson's Diversity Program in 2002, the increase in the number of minority attorneys at the Firm has far outpaced the Firm's overall growth. While the total number of attorneys at Baker Donelson has doubled, its minority attorney population is now more than triple what it was at the beginning of 2002. Over the same period, the number of minority shareholders at Baker Donelson has also more than tripled.
According to Donna Fraiche, Chair of Baker Donelson's Women's Initiative, the Firm has also been successful in improving the recruitment and retention of female attorneys and increasing the representation of women in leadership positions at the Firm. "Since 2005 when the Firm launched our Women's Initiative, Baker Donelson has grown about 20%, while the number of women attorneys has increased by 38% and the number of women shareholders has increased by close to 30%," said Ms. Fraiche.