Presenting MCCA’s 2008 Diversity Award Winners

The Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) bestows annual awards to publicly recognize select law firms and companies that demonstrate a proactive approach to diversity practices. These awards are presented at dinners held throughout the year in the South/Southwest, Midwest, West, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions, respectively. In the pages that follow, Diversity & the Bar^® profiles the companies MCCA has chosen to recognize in 2008 for their commitment to inclusiveness in the legal profession.

The Employer of Choice Award is designed to spotlight industry leaders who have a commitment to, and succeed at, creating and maintaining an inclusive corporate legal department. This year’s winners are cognizant of the important role of diverse attorneys within their organizations. These corporate leaders understand that business success depends on having legal departments that reflect the diversity of their customers. In the coming years, these companies will have a distinct advantage over their competitors.

The prestigious Thomas L. Sager Award is given to law firms that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to diversity. The award is named for the senior vice president and general counsel of DuPont Company and longtime member of MCCA’s Board of Directors. His tireless commitment to expanding the presence of diverse attorneys in corporate law is furthered by the initiatives of the law firms that receive the award. These firms work for diversity at all levels, and recognize the imperatives involved in increasing the recruitment, retention, and promotion of diverse attorneys. Each winner represents the best diversity activities in its respective region.

The following profiles offer a glimpse of the award winners’ practices. The hard work of the firms and companies deserve our recognition. This year’s award winners have much in common. They demonstrate a dedication to diversity ideals at the leadership level, a commitment from their employees, and a solid foundation for success.