Diversity & Inclusion

The Attorneys of Color affinity group is a space where attorneys who identify as ethnically/racially diverse can come together to share ideas on topics that include mentorship and sponsorship, connecting with diverse bar associations and organizations, networking, career advancement., business development, and the barriers and solutions unique to those who identify with this group.

Davis Wright Tremaine pioneered a cross-mentoring program with one of our top corporate clients in 2012, which was expanded to include other Seattle law firms. By matching diverse firm associates with in-house counsel mentors, the mentorship program sought to improve retention and enhance client service.

Our Attorneys of Color affinity group members work together to create other initiatives partnering with clients to provide leadership, cross-mentoring, and other valuable career development opportunities. One of the group’s goals is to promote an inclusive environment that allows all attorneys to succeed and grow professionally, regardless of their race or cultural or ethnic background.

Our Flexible Schedule affinity group serves as a resource to attorneys who work reduced hours or a flexible schedule and want to maintain high-quality work assignments and steady progress on a rewarding career track. Whether family demands or other personal choices necessitate dedicated attorneys to take alternative work schedules, we strive to cultivate a firm culture and work environment that values talent and is committed to keeping the best and brightest as a part of DWT, understanding career paths may look different for everyone.

DWT’s LGBTQ affinity group provides support, mentoring and networking opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer attorneys. The group’s mission is to create and maintain a work environment that values and acknowledges the talents and contributions of LGBTQ attorneys and allows them to express their full identities.

The group also helps recruit and groom future LGBTQ leaders at DWT, supports LGBTQ issues in the legal field, and advocates for policy and cultural change in our broader communities. DWT has consistently been recognized as one of the country’s “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index.

The aptly named Senior Attorneys Group in Excellence (SAGE) affinity group provides a collegial, respectful, empathetic, informative, supportive, and safe setting for DWT senior lawyers to explore interests and needs specific to its constituents. The group is targeted at those with 35-plus years of practice and often incorporates our retired attorneys in gatherings and discussions.

Succession and retirement planning are part of the group’s initiatives, exploring ideas and sharing information in support of those senior lawyers who are interested in winding down or shifting the focus of their practice. The group strives to ensure that the firm’s commitment to inclusion includes taking advantage of its wise elders in meaningful ways.

The Veterans affinity group seeks to provide support, mentorship, and pro bono opportunities for veterans within the firm and to facilitate veteran job placement for those looking to join the firm. In addition, the group is working to serve veterans in the community through use of firm resources and by developing a network of like-minded organizations to assist in veteran-focused service initiatives.

We value the experience and perspective our veterans bring to the firm and actively pursue opportunities to leverage their unique skill sets. As part of our broader goals discussed above, the Veterans affinity group strives to create intentional dialogue with firm management about the capabilities, interests, and business opportunities that are specific to veterans, as well as the challenges they face and how our firm can work to address them.

The DWT Women’s affinity group is focused on developing and retaining women at every level of the firm. The group has launched a dozen peer mentoring circles where women share their experiences and develop strategies for professional development. The affinity group also sponsors programs and initiatives targeted at practical steps women attorneys at the firm can take to grow their skills, professional networks, and practices.

In 2016, DWT launched Project W, a dynamic and multifaceted initiative that helps female founders build great companies and helps women take their place in the C-Suite and the boardroom. Through partnerships with like-minded organizations across the country; our national network of investors, founders, and business executives; and our own programming, Project W provides women the tools, resources, and connections they need to succeed. Project W is empowering the next generation of women leaders at DWT by doing our part to support the next generation of women clients.