Diversity is one of Stoel Rives' values and a key element of our firm's strategic vision. In today's increasingly mobile, multicultural world, many of our clients recognize that diversity and inclusion are not only beneficial social values, but also vital ingredients in business innovation and success.

Diverse viewpoints and creative thinking are essential in developing innovative, workable solutions in every walk of life. For a multifaceted law firm such as Stoel Rives, diversity within our firm is critical to the quality of our legal work, our client service, and the professional development of our attorneys and staff.

Our diversity goals are

• To successfully recruit, develop, and retain attorneys and staff of diverse backgrounds and characteristics.
• To foster an inclusive professional environment that respects and values differences among our attorneys and staff and supports professional development and advancement for all.

Our firm's commitment to diversity goes beyond our longstanding nondiscrimination policy. Stoel Rives as a whole is committed to and involved in promoting diversity in our firm and our communities. In addition to our Diversity Committee, the Stoel Rives Executive Committee, Managing Partner, Director of Business and Professional Development, Professional Development and Diversity Manager, Lawyer Recruiting and Diversity Manager, and leaders of our practice groups have leadership roles in our diversity initiatives.

Through affinity groups, mentoring, educational programs, sponsorships, outreach efforts, and community service, Stoel Rives strives to create opportunities for each unique voice in our culture to be heard.

We are proud of the progress Stoel Rives has made during 2008 in fostering diversity within our firm and our communities.  This year we have more than doubled our number of ethnically diverse attorneys and almost doubled our number of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) attorneys, bringing the firm's current demographics into closer alignment with its strong commitment to diversity.

Diversity has always been an important value for the firm and continues to be a key element of our strategic vision.  For our multifaceted legal practice, diversity within the firm is critical to the quality of legal work and client service we provide.

Working together, we look forward to continuing to increase our diversity and inclusion in the years to come.