MISSION STATEMENT OF THE DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE
In pursuit of the firm’s aim of providing world-class legal service, we acknowledge that diversity of ideas, backgrounds, and experience are essential to meeting that goal. The mission of the DEI Committee is to ensure that the core values of DEI are reflected in everything that we do at CSG Law. The Committee shall endeavor to construct and leverage a barrier-free, diversified and inclusive workforce that maintains an unwavering commitment to a workplace culture that values and respects the entirety of the CSG Law family, clients, business partners and surrounding communities – the CSG Law Community.
To that end, the Committee shall:
- Strive to build an inclusive workplace that embraces and supports the diverse voices within the CSG Law Community.
- Commit to the recruitment of diverse talent and the creation of opportunities that will enable the equitable advancement for all members of the CSG Law Community.
- Honor the diverse cultures and intersections of the individuals that make up our CSG Law Community through education and celebration.
Obtaining great results originates from the ability to view issues from diverse perspectives…
RECRUITING AND TALENT EXPERIENCE
The recruitment, development and mentorship of diverse attorneys are hallmarks of the firm’s DEI commitment. On the recruitment side, the firm is committed to providing opportunities for lawyers at various stages of their careers, from seasoned partners to junior law clerks, to join our team.
Professional development programming within the firm is highly customized, with monthly legal educational programs that are developed and presented by the firm’s lawyers covering a range of topics and disciplines – ultimately, rendering better-rounded and prepared attorneys and legal support staff. Many of these programs highlight the skills of the firm’s women and diverse attorneys, providing them with the opportunity to expand their internal networks and opportunities.
Business development programs and coaching provide the opportunity for attorneys to begin to build their practices, connect more effectively with their contacts and identify their personal action plans for future success. These efforts include promoting the firm’s attorneys as thought leaders for speaking and writing opportunities with outside organizations.
RAISING AWARENESS
The DEI Committee leads the firm’s ongoing diversity training programs, which recently included a firmwide DEI presentation that brought together all employees for a Learning Lab and smaller, interactive breakout sessions. The team also developed a series of internal communications and programming to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, Pride Month and Black History Month, among others.
The firm’s DEI Committee and Women’s Initiative have led fundraising initiatives to support social justice causes and change-making organizations. Through the generosity of the firm and its employees, more than $45,000 has been raised over the past two years for such organizations as the New Jersey Institute of Social Justice, Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Food Bank of Puerto Rico and many others.
In addition, the firm’s DEI Committee continues to spearhead the expansion of the firm’s Pro Bono Initiative, which will include donating time and resources to organizations that align with the firm’s vision while providing an opportunity for junior attorneys to gain invaluable hands-on experience working on substantive matters.
EXTERNAL COLLABORATION
Externally, the firm supports a variety of legal and business affinity groups through both active participation and sponsorship.
As part of this commitment, team members take on leadership roles with external organizations, which have included serving as the immediate Past-President of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, the New Jersey Chapter Leader of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, the Chair of the Diversity Committee of the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys, and Board Members of the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association.
Members of the team are nationally sought-after thought leaders in their respective fields of practice, frequently collaborating with outside organizations to provide valuable content to their membership. Numerous team members have also been called upon to assist external organizations in expanding their DEI and Women’s Initiatives – collaborating to create opportunities to connect with and engage members of the legal and business community with thoughtful programming and opportunities for professional development, mentorship and networking.
EDUCATIONAL AND PIPELINE PROGRAMS
CSG Law has taken a leading role and interest in guiding, preparing and empowering the next generation of legal talent through a variety of projects focused on creating a future pipeline of diverse lawyers and leaders. These programs span the educational careers of students from high school through law school, with the goal of providing opportunities to students to learn more about careers in the law and to gain mentorship from practicing lawyers.
The firm’s Summer Associate Program is focused on providing a pathway for future opportunities for law school students, especially those from historically underrepresented communities who have overcome hardships and show great promise as future lawyers. To achieve this goal the firm collaborates with the Rutgers University Minority Student Program and the Legal Education Opportunity Program at Seton Hall Law School.
Even before students pursue undergraduate studies, CSG Law has been there serving as a guide through its longstanding support of such programs as the New Jersey Law & Education Empowerment Project (NJ LEEP). By serving as an active host for the organization’s Week-on-the-Job Program, the firm provides high school students with a look at the range of career paths available in the law firm setting. Many of the firm’s lawyers continue to mentor NJ LEEP students even after this program, making this a truly rewarding experience for both the students and our volunteers.