Barnes & Thornburg announced today that Walgreens Legal Department’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee has selected the firm as the recipient of its 2023 Law Firm Excellence in Diversity Award (Large Firm Category) and Harte Elena Brick as a recipient of its DEI Rising Star Award. The awards recognize a commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the firm and the broader legal community.
Barnes & Thornburg’s commitment to DEI stands firmly on three foundational pillars: sponsorship, integration and culture. These pillars drive the firm’s strategic DEI initiatives, while retention and advancement of the firm’s talent measure how successful and authentic the firm is in upholding a national standard of equity and inclusion within the legal profession and beyond.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition from Walgreens as it serves as a testament to our pursuit of excellence in DEI,” said Charles J. Schultz, Walgreens relationship partner. “Barnes & Thornburg truly believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than buzzwords and mandates but separate and unique business imperatives that have significance in shaping a thriving, forward-thinking organization. I take pride and responsibility for helping advance DEI initiatives, which extends to building business relationships that reflect those core values.”
“To have the firm and one of our attorneys recognized by such a preeminent organization that has created a culture where DEI is at the center of everything it does is truly remarkable,” added Dawn R. Rosemond, firm diversity partner. “As a law firm, we hold ourselves accountable to establishing partnerships with clients that go far beyond providing legal services – one that enables us to amplify our DEI impact and drive real change – and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with Walgreens to do just that.”
In 2024, the firm’s DEI Committee has committed itself to, among other efforts, developing and releasing signature data on work allocation, formalizing a high-touch retention strategy, and deploying signature business development and marketing resources to cultivate talent visibility and advancement opportunities.
“I am honored to receive this award,” said Brick, a healthcare associate in Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office. “I have seen firsthand how establishing diverse teams can lead to better outcomes for clients, foster creativity and innovation, and help us learn from one another. That understanding fuels my commitment and passion to furthering DEI in the legal and healthcare industries through continued mentorship and advocacy.”
A key supporter of and advocate for the firm’s commitment to DEI, Brick mentors junior attorneys and summer associates, many of whom are diverse. Her dedication also extends to her involvement with the Erie Family Health Centers, a prominent Federally Qualified Health Center in Chicago, and Walgreens’ internship programs. Through her work with Walgreens, Brick organized a “Day in the Life” program with Walgreens’ interns, which included a panel interview with Barnes & Thornburg attorneys, a legal writing workshop, and a social and networking event. Brick regularly makes herself available to students to answer questions about law school and healthcare law, employment opportunities, and being a woman in the legal field.
The awards were presented at the Walgreens Legal DE&I Recognition Program: Award Ceremony on Thursday, June 20, at Walgreens’ Old Post Office campus in Chicago.
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