Dear Readers,

Twenty-five years ago the Boston Law Firm Group was founded by two Mintz Levin attorneys, Andy Urban and Ann-Ellen Hornidge. Their vision was actualized when several African American attorneys joined with them to begin a journey to advance diversity in Boston's legal community. They quickly discovered that there was a need for a collaborative endeavor with likeminded legal leaders who would be important contributors to a sustained effort. As the organization evolved from its thirteen member beginnings to nearly fifty members today there were many milestones along the way. A significant change occurred when we decided to include all aspects of the legal community in our membership by adding corporate law offices and government agencies. They joined together with law firm members to attack the disparities that were impeding full inclusion of attorneys of color in Boston's legal organizations. The Boston Law Firm Group then became the Boston Lawyers Group. Our mission remained, “to support the efforts of our members to identify, recruit, advance and retain talented attorneys of color”. Our vision became stronger and more vibrant as we became a more inclusive organization.

The lessons that we learn everyday continue to encourage change and innovative approaches for our organizational goals. Our collaborative efforts bring our members together to plan and execute dynamic initiatives that have given us local and national recognition during these twenty-five years. Clearly, the success we have enjoyed does not allow us to become complacent. We do not think our work is done. However, we can acknowledge that our members’ commitment to diversity and their actions are an integral part of our success.

Our legal community has come a long way and we hope that BLG's efforts have helped to make it happen. BLG members now have diversity committees, diversity training, and diversity statements on their web-sites. They also have more sophisticated recruitment programs that include outreach to diverse candidates, greater awareness about the needs of diverse attorneys and comfort with participating in activities that focus on advancing diversity and much more. That spells progress.....progress that needs to continue until there is no longer a need for a targeted initiative like the BLG. The upside of such a conclusion is that our members know that change is a journey.... not a destination…

Proudly, the BLG is doing work that makes a difference and fuels the growth for a more diverse legal community. There may be many paths to travel but the intersection of solid results and best practices will make a critical difference.

Diversity and inclusion are essential for a strong legal community. As Executive Director I will continue to provide the leadership necessary to advance change.


Many regards,

Carolyn

Carolyn Golden Hebsgaard
BLG, Executive Director

American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts ▪ Bank of America ▪ Bingham McCutchen LLP ▪ Brown Rudnick LLP ▪ Burns & Levinson LLP ▪ Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP ▪ City of Boston Corporation Counsel ▪ Day Pitney LLP ▪ DLA Piper US LLP ▪ Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP ▪ Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP ▪ Fish & Richardson, P.C. ▪ Foley & Lardner LLP ▪ Foley Hoag LLP ▪ Goodwin Procter LLP ▪ Goulston & Storrs P.C. ▪ Grayer & Dilday, P.C. ▪  Harrison A. Fitch, P.C. ▪ Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP ▪ Hirsch, Roberts & Weinstein LLP ▪ Holland & Knight LLP ▪ Keegan Werlin LLP ▪ Liberty Mutual ▪ Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office ▪ MassMutual Financial Group ▪ McCarter & English LLP ▪ McDermott, Will & Emery LLP ▪ Middlesex County District Attorney's Office ▪ Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. ▪ Murphy & King ▪ Murtha Cullina LLP ▪ National Grid ▪ Nixon Peabody LLP ▪ Nutter, McClennen & Fish LLP ▪ Proskauer Rose LLP ▪ Riemer & Braunstein LLP ▪ Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP ▪ Robinson & Cole LLP ▪ Ropes & Gray LLP ▪ Seyfarth Shaw ▪ Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP ▪ State Street Corporation ▪ Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office ▪ Sullivan & Worcester LLP ▪ United States Attorney’s Office ▪ Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP