Diversity

In principle and in practice, Womble Carlyle values and seeks diversity. One of the core values of the Firm is respect for the dignity of the individual, which necessarily embraces the differences among us. We believe that diversity strengthens the Firm and enables us to better respond to client needs. We have incorporated this perspective into our strategic planning. Simply put, the Firm does not tolerate employment discrimination in any form.

The Firm has demonstrated its commitment to diversity in many ways, including: (1) multifaceted recruiting and community programs to increase diversity throughout the Firm; (2) internal programs to explore the experiences, development, and progression of diverse attorneys to assist in retention and recruitment of diverse attorneys; and (3) an office environment that encourages tolerance and respect for individuals regardless of differences. Examples of specific efforts to employ and retain diverse attorneys include:

• Establishing a Diversity Committee comprised of minority and non-minority Associates and Partners to address minority and female recruiting, retention, and advancement issues;
• offering domestic partner benefits;
• launching the Womble Carlyle Minority Scholarship for rising second-year law students at law schools in most of the states in which the Firm has an office; Wake Forest University, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University, Howard University, Emory, University of Georgia, George Washington University, University of South Carolina, the University of Virginia and, the University of Maryland School of Law. Scholarship recipients will receive $4,000 during their second year as well as an offer of employment during the summer after their second year of law school;
• recruiting at law schools with large minority enrollments;
• sponsoring events in conjunction with diverse student organizations at neighboring law schools;
• recruiting at local and regional minority job fairs; and
• considering contributions to the Firm’s Diversity Initiative in compensation, bonus and advancement decisions.

The Womble Carlyle Scholars Program

Established in 2004, the Womble Carlyle Scholars Program awards scholarships to diverse second year law students who present solid academic credentials, personal or professional achievement outside the school environment, and significant participation in community service. This program is designed to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the bar. The scholarship is awarded to diverse law students at schools in most of the states in which the Firm has offices. These schools include North Carolina Central University School of Law, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, Duke University School of Law, Wake Forest University School of Law, the University of South Carolina School of Law, Howard University School of Law, the University of Virginia School of Law, the University of Georgia School of Law, George Washington University, Emory University School of Law, and the University of Maryland School of Law. In addition to the scholarship ($4,000.00 per year), an offer of summer employment as a Summer Associate in one of the firm’s eleven offices is extended to the Scholar after his/her second year of law school. The Scholar may choose to work at the firm all, half (at least six weeks), or none of the summer. The firm will determine in which office the Scholar works, but every effort will be made to satisfy the Scholar’s office preference. Scholar salaries during the summer will be the same as the firm’s other Summer Associates in each office.