“Any underrepresented group, and LGBTQ people in particular, want to see intentional actions being taken by the firm to provide a welcoming atmosphere. That is why I am so proud of Dinsmore and everything the firm has done and continues to do to create opportunities for diverse individuals.”
- John Selent, Partner/Facilitator, In Law & Equity (LGBTQ Affinity Group), Louisville, KY
We asked John: What do you believe is the formula for addressing LGBTQ+ issues within the legal industry while maintaining a solid, inclusive community that brings all of us together?
The formula for creating a more inclusive legal community overall and expanding the inclusivity of our own legal community here at Dinsmore is simply to populate all areas with diverse individuals. While simple to say, the actions taken to recruit, retain, and promote diverse attorneys must be sincere and true to who we are as a firm. No matter your background, people feel more included when they are not the only person of their ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexual orientation in the room. No one likes to feel alone or singled out in any setting. Today, there aren’t any excuses for there to be only one or two seats at the table for a qualified, diverse attorney or staff member.
There is strength in numbers, and if we want to increase the inclusivity of our legal communities, we have to focus on the hiring and retention of diverse individuals. Any underrepresented group, and LGBTQ people in particular, want to see intentional actions being taken by the firm to provide a welcoming atmosphere. That is why I am so proud of Dinsmore and everything the firm has done and continues to do to create opportunities for diverse individuals.
In all my years at Dinsmore, I have witnessed a dramatic shift in culture from our annual participation in the Lavender Law Conference, where we have recruited tremendous LGBTQ talent, to the formation of In Law & Equity, the LGBTQ Affinity group. Firm leadership has their hand on the pulse and is committed to enacting high-level change.
Dinsmore is really doing the work and placing a laser focus on diversity, particularly LGBTQ diversity, and proving that all are welcome here.