Diversity

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Diversity is one of Nelson Mullins' core values. We are committed to achieving and maintaining diversity in all aspects of Firm life. Our workforce represents a wide array of racial, gender, age, ethnic, national origin, sexual orientation, and religious persuasions. We celebrate our differences. We know that greater diversity makes us more creative and effective. Our diversity brings to the practice of law more varied perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, talents, and interests. Our clients are best served by legal teams who reflect the diversity of the communities, cities, and states in which we practice.

Nelson Mullins maintains vigorous diversity, pro bono, and community programs designed to attract and sustain a workforce that represents our Firm's national practice. Firm management has made clear that the recruitment, retention, and promotion of diverse attorneys are among our highest priorities. We work daily to provide an environment that ensures all attorneys – regardless of race, gender, age, creed, religion, disability, marital or parental status, nationality, sexual orientation – have equal access to the best opportunities for their individual professional development and growth.

We offer flexible and reduced-time work schedules that permit both male and female attorneys to work alternative schedules. We actively recruit diverse talent through on-campus visits to law schools, attendance at regional and national job fairs, mentoring programs, and internal and external networking.

Nelson Mullins' achievements in the diversity area have been recognized. In 2006, our Firm received the Commitment to Equality Award by the Minorities and Women in the Profession Committee of the State Bar of Georgia, in recognition of our long-standing commitment to diversity. In addition, Nelson Mullins partners have particularly distinguished leadership roles in national organizations promoting diversity in the law. For example, Zoe Nettles was president of the National Association of Women Lawyers in 2003-2004.

We believe that diversity in our workforce is important. We are committed to supporting programs that benefit diverse communities. In 2005, the Firm received the John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award from the Litigation Section of the American Bar Association, as well as the William B. Spann, Jr. Award from the State Bar of Georgia, that organization's highest pro bono honor. The Firm dedicates thousands of hours to pro bono services and regularly leads in the American Lawyer pro bono rankings. Our commitment to public and pro bono service is a long-standing Firm tradition.

We are proud of our efforts and achievements to date, and we also recognize that sustained diversity requires a continued commitment to the creation and maintenance of a climate of true inclusiveness. We will continue to promote and support diversity in our Firm in all that we do.