Whitfield & Eddy Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee 2021 Year in Review
The attorneys and staff at Whitfield & Eddy Law formed its first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee in 2021. The committee serves as a guide and foster a welcoming and safe work environment for all. and achieved many of the original goals established in their charter.
The committee’s 2021 accomplishments include:
- Publishing a statement of support for diversity, equity and inclusion on our website.
- The firm joined Iowa State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Diversity Pledge, where we will build towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment through steps outlined by the ISBA YLD. The pledge outlines more than two dozen items listed in internal and external categories for law firms of all sizes to review and complete between April 1, 2021 and April 1, 2022.
- The firm joined over 200 local businesses supporting the Greater Des Moines Partnership CEO Commitment to Racial Equality. The project focuses on increasing workforce diversity and equality including seven distinct areas of focus in the community.
- Attorneys at the firm sent letters to their clients outlining the firm’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and the belief the broader insights and experience translate to the firm be better equipped to advise clients.
- The firm was a sponsor of the inaugural West Des Moines Chamber Black and Brown Summit and committed to sponsor the 2022 event. The summit will bring entrepreneurs and seasoned companies together to elevate ethnic minorities and BIPOC businesses to build connections, training, and resources to grow and prosper.
- The firm placed an advertisement in the Pride Fest Pride Guide supporting the LGBTQ community in the metro’s signature Capital City Pride Week events.
- Attorney served as a panelist on the Iowa State Bar Association Diversity & Inclusion Committee Program.
- Attorneys delivered a Preferred Pronouns in-house presentation for Continuing Legal Education credit to our lawyers.
- Attorneys and staff participated in the second annual Drake Law School Cady Day of Service by committing to take Polk County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer Project pro bono cases and participate in a clean-up of the Neal Smith Trail and Birdland Marina area in Des Moines.
- The firm’s Whitfield Women, a mentorship group for women in the law profession, continues to be an active part of the firm leading charitable endeavors in the community including the Young Women’s Resource Center, Single Parent Provision, and other charitable and networking endeavors supportive programming for members.
- For over fifty years, the firm has provided legal services to Oakridge Neighborhood Services. These services include the initial development, procurement of land, and construction of buildings including their resource center. A vital community resource, Oakridge is the most culturally diverse neighborhood in Des Moines and houses over 1,100 residents in 339 housing units.
The attorneys and staff at Whitfield & Eddy Law are committed to maintaining a successful workplace and community. We encourage the recruitment, hiring and advancement of talented, engaged and diverse attorneys and staff to meet the complex needs of our clients and community. The committee continues to evolve and grow with an emphasis on activities within the firm and community to build on the goal to define the firm as a diverse, equitable, and inclusive employer of choice in the Des Moines metro.