Diversity & Inclusion at Jackson Walker

Diversity & Inclusion At Jackson Walker

Belonging

“As the largest law firm in Texas, it’s incumbent upon us to lead the way on diversity and inclusion. We’ve heard it said that diversity is a fact, inclusion is an act, and belonging is an outcome. We are dedicated to creating an environment where each one of us feels like we belong at Jackson Walker.”

View A Message from Our Managing Partner and Our D&I Chair

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is a reflection of our core values.

Underrepresented Racial & Ethnic
Attorneys & Business Professionals

Associates
31%
Partners
15%
Counsel
10%
Others (Staff and Research Attorneys)
27%
All Attorneys
19%
All Business Professionals
34%

Women
Attorneys & Business Professionals

Associates
56%
Partners
26%
Counsel
47%
Others (Staff and Research Attorneys)
75%
All Attorneys
38%
All Business Professionals
79%
0 %
of the Management Committee are Underrepresented Talent
0 %
of the Compensation Committee are Underrepresented Talent

Statistics as of December 31, 2023

Fostering a Culture Where Everyone Belongs

Our Lawyer Resource Groups promote diversity, cultural awareness, and an inclusive work environment.
We asked the leaders of the LRGs to talk about diversity, inclusion, and belonging at Jackson Walker.

“I feel I belong when I can bring my whole self to work. I feel I belong when I can be authentic at work. I feel I belong when I feel respected for my authenticity at work. I feel I belong when it is clear that everyone is respected.”

— Courtney White
Research Attorney, Dallas
Chair, Black LRG

“Belonging means there's a place for you here because of your accomplishments, your efforts and your continued contributions, and not because of where you're from, how you look, who you love, or how closely you conform to a subjective standard.”

— JOE GUajardo
Partner, Dallas
Chair, LGBTQ+ LRG

“I believe JW has made positive progress in the last year, especially with the implementation of our Lawyer Resource Groups. I'm really excited about the First Generation LRG as it will provide an opportunity for all attorneys who are the first in their family to connect and find ways to support one another.”

— Sang Shin
Partner, Houston
Chair, First generation LRG

“Belonging means having the comfort in engaging in open, honest, and respectful discussions with those who may or may not share the same opinion, and feeling accepted and acknowledged that those opinions are important and contribute to bettering the community.”

— Shari Mao
Partner, San Antonio
Chair, Asian LRG

“I believe JW has made a great effort to recruit a diverse group of attorneys and staff. I also believe JW has created spaces where people can share their experiences and perspectives in an open format.”

— Michael Drab
Associate, Houston
Chair, Abilities LRG

“Belonging means feeling comfortable enough with your peers, surrounding, and work environment to be yourself without fear of judgment or prejudice.”

— Javier Gonzalez
Associate, Houston
Chair, Hispanic LRG

“Our mentoring program, both at the partner and associate level, aims to make sure that our female attorneys are provided all of the opportunity and support that they need to advance to that next level in their careers.”

— MONICA MESSICK
PARTNER, dallas
Chair, jw2 (jACKSON wALKER wOMEN)

More on Diversity & Inclusion at Jackson Walker

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with Robert Soza and Mario Perez Dolan

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Robert L. Soza Jr. and Mario Perez Dolan join Fast Takes to share their personal stories and reflections on their Hispanic heritage and legal careers.

Listen to Robert and Mario’s story »

Perspectives: Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter

August 2024
Connecting With Summer Associates
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

April 2024
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Elevating Diverse Attorneys to Partnership

Our Committee

From the top down, we express how significant diversity and inclusion are for the Firm through commitment, communication, and action. To ensure our entire practice promotes equality for all, our Diversity & Inclusion Committee, comprising both attorneys and staff, directs diversity-related goals and collaborates on best practices for implementing initiatives.

JW Standing in Solidarity

Racism, bigotry, and hate have no place in our society. Jackson Walker stands united with our colleagues, clients, and community partners in the fight to end systemic racism and social injustice. We believe that inequitable treatment of our fellow human beings is unacceptable. As one of the oldest law firms in Texas, our response demands that we listen, learn, and work for equality. Jackson Walker condemns and denounces all acts of racism and prejudice. We stand in solidarity and can only progress in unity.