AUGUST 3, 2023 – As expectations around diversity, equity, and inclusion evolve around the country, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP has launched a new group to help clients maintain their DEI commitment while navigating current and emerging challenges.
The firm's new DEI Strategic Consulting, Support, and Defense Group is led by Kate Tylee Herz and Vicky Slade, attorneys on the nationally ranked employment law team at Davis Wright.
"Our clients recognize that DEI is essential to their success," said Herz. "Amid the uncertainty engendered by recent political activity and decisions from the Supreme Court, companies are eager for guidance on how to keep their commitment steadfast and secure. Our team will leverage decades of combined experience in the DEI arena to make certain that in-house counsel, HR teams, and DEI professionals have the tools they need."
The new DEI group will provide clients with a suite of services to support continued advancement of DEI goals. These include:
- review and assessment of existing programs to identify opportunities and risks;
- advice on efforts to increase diversity through hiring;
- consulting related to employee affinity or business resource groups;
- equity audits, including pay equity analysis;
- comprehensive, customized DEI trainings for participants at all levels;
- advice on data collection, storage, and reporting obligations connected with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP);
- advice regarding employee layoffs and terminations;
- workplace investigations;
- litigation avoidance and defense in areas related to DEI, including claims of discrimination by members of majority groups, claims relating to racial equity or diversity programs, and religious accommodation discrimination claims.
"Our team works with a racial equity lens and with deep cultural competency on DEI issues," said Slade, who is co-chair of Davis Wright's LGBTQ+ affinity group. Slade recently earned her Certified Diversity Professional credential from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.
"We're seeing more and more landmines in the DEI space," she said. "Kate and I and the entire team are excited to partner with our clients to help ensure their commitment to DEI is meaningful and within the confines of the law."
About Davis Wright Tremaine
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is an AmLaw 100 firm with more than 600 lawyers representing clients based throughout the United States and around the world. Chambers USA recently ranked the firm as one of the top 25 in the country for labor and employment law. The firm has also been widely recognized for its deep commitment to DEI. For more information, visit www.dwt.com/dei .