Firm Commitment to Diversity Through Employment: Past and Present
While being able to employ and retain a diverse workforce and talent should be part of every firm’s goal, Kightlinger & Gray, stands proudly behind our history of having one of the first female Partners in Indiana, Joan Irick, and one of the first female Partners named to Management, Ginny Peterson. Currently, the Firm is proud to be able to have 40% diversity in the Partnership.
Kightlinger & Gray focuses on workplace culture, with an emphasis on inclusion, within its day-to-day operations and proudly affirms its DEI Mission Statement on a daily basis through all of its business interactions, both internal and external. To that end, the firm has formed a DEI Board as well as two DEI Taskforces who engage on a monthly basis tackling firm identified barriers to inclusion and equity in the workplace. The Board as well as the Taskforces are comprised of professional staff, associates and partners at all levels and offices of the firm.
DEI Mission Statement
At Kightlinger & Gray, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe that diversity among our attorneys and professional staff enhances our ability to provide the best services to our clients. Further, we believe that having an inclusive culture, where our attorneys and professional staff are accepted and celebrated for being their true authentic selves creates a supportive environment where all personnel can achieve their full potential and experience career satisfaction. Our firm is on the journey to cultural competence and passionate about moving the needle forward, while understanding that our work in DEI is never complete. We are bettering our culture through enhanced leadership messaging and programming focused on inclusive behavior and actions and the development of equitable systemic processes throughout all areas of our firm. Our vision is focused on the future of our firm, and the future is our people.
Community Involvement
Part of Kightlinger & Gray’s commitment includes activity in local, regional and national events. The Firm has placed an emphasis on having continuous involvement in and support of Lambda Legal, APABA/IAPABA, Indiana MINORITY BUSINESS Magazine, Indiana Latino Expo, multiple IU Law School diversity law student associations (The Hispanic Law Society, The Black Law Students Association & The Asian Law Students Association), Indy Pride Parade, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce – Conexion, Hispanic Business Council, DRI Diversity for Success Breakouts, and engagement in the community by the firm’s Female Attorney Network. The firm was also a proud contributor to the 2024 Indiana State Bar Association Inclusion Reference Guide, which can be found at this external link: https://www.inbar.org/page/inclusion-guide
For more information regarding the DEI initiatives of Kightlinger & Gray, LLP, contact the DEI Board at info@k-glaw.com
