James A. Hatcher
General Counsel
Cox Communications, Inc. is a multi-service broadband communications company and the nation’s third-largest cable television provider, boasting 6.7 million customers. Cox offers advanced digital video programming services, local and long-distance telephone services, high-speed internet access, and commercial voice and data services. Cox is also an investor in programming networks, including the Discovery Channel.
(L to R): Veta Richardson, MCCA; James A. Hatcher, Cox Communications, Inc.; and William L. Hawthorne III, Federated Department Stores
When James A. Hatcher, Cox’s senior vice president, legal and regulatory affairs, started the department, he was the only staff member and a white male. “Diversity should be a natural part of everyone’s life—treat all people fairly and with respect,” says Hatcher. Now Cox’s in-house legal team consists of 20 attorneys, more than half of whom are women. In addition to gender diversity, the department enjoys racial, ethnic, and age diversity, with racial minorities making up 38 percent of employees that represent six different nationalities, encompassing an age range of nearly 50 years. Six of the 20 attorneys and all five paralegals are minorities.
Cox is committed to diversity for both sound business and moral reasons. Its diverse customer base demands that Cox’s product offerings, marketing campaigns—indeed, all of Cox’s business interactions—reflect the company’s commitment to respecting all people and treating every individual fairly.
Under Hatcher’s direction, the legal department is on the leading edge of the company’s diversity efforts. It was one of the first departments at Cox to establish alternative work arrangements, such as flex-time and part-time hours. Cox has engaged its outside counsel in reflecting the company’s commitment to diversity, not only insisting on improvement but also extending its help to the firms. While the company typically does not hire lawyers directly out of law school, Cox is cognizant of its responsibility for keeping the pipeline full, and employs interns from the Georgia Bar Diversity Law Program. Hatcher also promotes the department’s involvement in industry-related diversity organizations, including the National Association of Multi-ethnicity In Communications (NAMIC) and Women in Cable and Telecommunications (WICT). Hatcher serves as the liaison between Cox’s senior management and the company’s diversity committee.
Cox has been recognized as a leader in the cable industry for its diversity efforts. The company was the 2003 and 2004 recipient of the Forerunner Accolade for the “Best Operator for Women in Cable.” It was also named to the following lists by WICT Foundation: “Best Companies for Women in Cable—Resources for Work/Life Support,” and “Best Companies for Women in Cable—Advancement Opportunities.” Its attention to inclusiveness has augmented Cox’s business success. The company received J.D. Power and Associates’ Highest Honor in Overall Customer Satisfaction in Bundled Long-Distance Telephone Service, which was the first time a cable company ranked highest in this segment of J.D. Power’s annual study.
From the November/December 2005 issue of Diversity & The Bar®