Diversity is both a natural expression of who we are and an essential element of our success. It encompasses a broad spectrum of differences, including perspective, life experience, and other qualities that collectively shape and enrich our culture. We believe that embracing these differences strengthens our firm and enhances our ability to serve clients effectively.
This perspective is in seamless alignment with our core values – integrity, respect for the individual, and devotion to client service – and reinforces our dedication to fairness, collaboration, and fostering a culture built on trust, respect, and shared success.
Our framework is based on three pillars:
- Talent: Provide access and opportunity to attract, develop, and retain top legal talent, fostering a workforce enriched by unique experiences and perspectives.
- Inclusion: Nurture a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
- Clients & Community: Utilize the strength of our legal knowledge to deliver transformative results that positively impact our clients and community.
We collaborate with prominent industry organizations including:
- Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC)
- Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO)
- Diversity and Flexibility Alliance (DFA)
- Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA)
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD)
- Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA)
- National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA)
- National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL)
- National Bar Association (NBA)
- National LGBTQ+ Bar Association
Talent
We prioritize robust talent and professional development initiatives to recruit, retain, and develop exceptional individuals.
Professional Development
Our comprehensive programs are designed to support all team members at every stage of their careers, offering resources, training, and mentorship to help them succeed. While not exhaustive, the initiatives outlined below highlight key elements of our commitment to professional growth.
Attorneys
- Associate Partner Panel Review Program: Provides senior associates with interactive discussion and comprehensive evaluation at key points during their career prior to partnership consideration.
- Entry-Level Program: Develops important legal skills often not emphasized in law school, such as communication, leadership, and understanding the business of legal practice, and includes in-person, cross-office training.
- Equity Partner Panel Review Program: Supports aspiring equity partners to create effective business plans, build lasting relationships, and receive personalized coaching and feedback from firm leaders, veteran equity partners, and business development professionals.
- Litigation Training Program: Continued professional development for litigation associates includes courses in arbitration, depositions, expert witnesses, jury selection, negotiations, and mock trials.
- Transactional Training Program: Enhances skills for transactional practices through in-person and virtual training on topics like contract drafting, negotiation, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions.
- US-UK Office Exchange: Enables attorneys to spend time in offices across the Atlantic, gaining new perspectives, fostering relationships, and enhancing collaboration.
Students & Recent Graduates
- Summer Associate Program: Offers meaningful exposure to various aspects of the firm through substantive legal project assignments, mentoring, networking, and learning opportunities. Participants build practical legal skills while gaining valuable insights and experiences that lay a strong foundation for a successful legal career.
- Internship Program: Provides students from all majors with opportunities to explore careers in law firm professional positions. Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, engage in hands-on work, professional development sessions, and networking events, gaining unique insights into law firm operations and resources.
- HBCU Succeed Program: Supports students from historically Black colleges and universities within the firm’s geographic footprint and includes in-person and virtual sessions. These events feature panelists sharing practical advice on the legal industry, entrepreneurship, and professional growth and success strategies.
Recruiting
In addition to recruiting experienced lateral hires, Womble engages with law schools, regional programs, and bar associations to connect with top talent. By fostering relationships and sponsoring events with student organizations, the firm actively builds pathways for future legal professionals. Learn more about career opportunities here.
Inclusion
We are dedicated to eliminating barriers to full participation by actively embracing diverse perspectives and fostering accessible and equitable opportunities. By launching initiatives that amplify every voice, we aim to cultivate a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and integral to the Womble community.
Affinity Groups
We foster a sense of belonging through our Affinity Groups, which are open to all and actively welcome all who are interested in participating.
- WBD Asian Pacific American Network
- WBD Black Affinity Group
- WBD Disability & Neurodiversity Network
- WBD Pride
- WBD Sabor
- WBD Veterans
- Women of Womble (WOW)
Each group offers opportunities to foster connections within the firm, promote cultural exchange, and engage in firmwide initiatives and community outreach. All members are provided equal access to the resources and experiences offered by each group.
Clients & Community
Put simply, embracing our differences enhances our ability to deliver exceptional client service. By providing tailored legal solutions informed by a variety of industry perspectives and experience, we meet a wide range of client needs. Through our commitment to respect, integrity, and leadership in the legal community, we embed inclusivity into all aspects of our work, ensuring our services are both innovative and reflective of our clients' values.
In addition, the firm has a longstanding commitment to advancing equity through pro bono work and community service. Guided by the belief that the practice of law serves our clients and society, we take pride in leading efforts to provide pro bono services to individuals of limited means, charitable organizations, and initiatives that increase access to legal services and improve our legal system.