Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are not a fad or trend at Kilpatrick Townsend. Instead, the firm has a rich history of and a strong commitment to D&I. Kilpatrick Townsend has been a leader in integrating D&I into all aspects of how we serve clients, collaborate with colleagues, and recruit prospective attorneys and administrative professionals. Put simply, D&I are ingrained in our history and our corporate culture. The prominent role that D&I holds at the firm is evidenced by the installation of Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Yendelela Holston and the frequent awards, accolades, and rankings received by clients, legal and business publications and organizations, and the community at large.

To take its efforts to the next level, Kilpatrick Townsend recently held its first D&I Summit: The Surge. The Surge, which took place June 23 -2 4 at the Las Vegas Red Rock Casino & Resort, brought together more than 70 diverse attorneys and firm leaders from 13 domestic offices to discuss the firm’s D&I strategy, career advancement, and business development. In addition to hearing directly from the firm’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and the firm’s Chair about the importance of diverse attorneys and an inclusive environment to the success of the firm, attendees learned about how current and former in-house counsel from LocumTenens.Com, DexYP, The Weather Channel, and Gemini Midstream have fostered diversity in their respective organizations. Afterwards, attendees engaged in substantive discussions regarding best practices and barriers pertaining to recruitment, development, retention, and promotion. 

The Surge also provided attendees with numerous opportunities to network with each other and with members of firm leadership, such as Firm Chair Henry Walker, Managing Partner Roger Wylie, Chief Legal Officer Susan Spaeth, Department Chairs Ben Barkley and Wab Kadaba, among others. As Mr. Walker proclaimed during his Q&A, “we will keep surging” and look forward to hosting similar events in the future.

For more information about Kilpatrick Townsend’s Diversity & Inclusion efforts, please contact Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Yendelela Holston at 404.815.6318 or yholston@kilpatricktownsend.com.