“I believe there is a transformative power in interpersonal connection. Creating an environment where people can build, nurture, and grow from a one-on-one relationship is, in my opinion, the formula to everlasting change.”
- Leslie Wolfe, Partner/Ally, Cleveland, OH
We asked Leslie: 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?
Addressing issues around equity and inclusion requires a collaborative effort to maintain a welcoming community that is intentional from the top down. In both my professional and personal life, I have found that building relationships is key. It is the lack of education and personal experience that really drives a wedge in our progress. It is natural for some to initially fear that which is perhaps new and unfamiliar to them. I have seen this hesitancy be overcome with patience and experience, even in my own family. I believe there is a transformative power in interpersonal connection. Creating an environment where people can build, nurture, and grow from a one-on-one relationship is, in my opinion, the formula to everlasting change. These interactions help to remind people that we are fundamentally the same in all the ways that truly matter and whatever differences we do have can be embraced and accepted.
As attorneys, we’re all here to build our practices, achieve high-level results for our clients, and help each other achieve professional success. I think Dinsmore has done a fantastic job at nurturing this community and bringing attention to In Law & Equity and its mission to bring attorneys and staff together while advancing the progress of issues pertaining to LGBTQ people inside and outside of the office. In Law & Equity is giving us all an education, helping myself and others become better allies. I have and continue to see tremendous diverse talent coming through our affinity groups, our summer associate classes, and scholarship programs. The firm is doing more than just adapting to diversity; it is innovating in this space, and I am proud to be part of these efforts.