At Venable, we believe the best way to help our clients resolve their legal and business issues is by bringing the broadest possible range of perspectives and experience to bear. We firmly believe that a talented and diverse legal team delivers the best results for our clients.

We are committed to inclusion, openness, and support for all of our lawyers and staff, and for our communities. To meet these standards, we welcome lawyers and staff from all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We pledge to maintain these high standards in all of our recruiting efforts and professional development initiatives. 

Recruiting and Developing Our Diverse Workforce
Supporting clients' diversity goals begins with attracting, retaining, and promoting a diverse and talented attorney base. We aggressively recruit top minority talent from the country's top-tier, regional, and historically black law schools.  We also recruit promising attorneys from government agencies, companies, and law firms of all sizes.  Because of these efforts, more than 35 percent of our attorneys are women, and minority attorneys make up 17 percent of our associate ranks.

Diversity in our Leadership
Venable's commitment to diversity starts at the top. Diversity and inclusion are primary objectives of the firm's strategic plan. The firm's Managing Partner, Karl Racine, was the first African American Managing Partner of an AmLaw 100 firm. Women and minorities serve as heads of important practice groups and committees within the firm, including the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, SEC and White Collar Defense, and Regulatory Practice Groups; as well as the Professional Development and Recruiting and Diversity Committees.

Our Diversity Committee
Under the direction of Chair Craig Thompson, our Diversity Committee makes recommendations to firm management as to the best ways to support our goal of a diverse and inclusive firm, and drives the successful implementation of diversity initiatives.

Supporting Women and Families
The firm strongly supports its women lawyers' professional and personal development in key ways, including: funding business and career development education, and accommodating flexible and reduced work schedule requirements for lawyers. Indeed, approximately 9 percent of our lawyers are on a reduced schedule.  Venable also provides a wide range of family-friendly benefits and programs for all of our lawyers and staff.

Pro Bono Representation
Venable's dedication to the minority community extends to our pro bono work as well, and the firm has long recognized the importance of providing first-rate legal representation to those who are unable to afford an attorney. This commitment is important to our community, the firm and our profession.