Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Continuing to build a future where everyone belongs

Committing to a Better Future for All of Us

At Balch, we embrace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion as core values of the firm. Our dedication to providing excellent client service is rooted in our commitment to cultivating an environment where people of all backgrounds, characteristics, and perspectives are valued for their contributions, skills, and talents. We actively recruit, hire, mentor, develop, advance, and retain a diverse team and foster an inclusive environment that encourages respect, camaraderie, and community for all. 

 

 

Key Priorities

Culture
Foster a Connected & Supportive Culture

We foster an inclusive environment by building and expanding opportunities for personal accountability and growth. In support of this effort, we host a learning series designed to provide actionable steps in fostering a workplace where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. We also promote educational experiences that celebrate our unique diversity and collective success.

Leadership
Demonstrate Active Leadership Commitment

We strive to demonstrate active leadership commitment by encouraging personal accountability, sharing success for progress, and incorporating inclusion-focused goals into work practices and policies.

Talent
Strengthen Diverse Talent Pipeline & Representation

We work to strengthen a diverse legal talent pipeline by leading pipeline programs, recruiting at diversity-focused events and fairs, and hosting mentoring and networking events for pre-law and law students.

Development
Focus Development Opportunities Towards Retention

We focus our development programming to meet the needs of all members of the firm.  As part of those efforts, we support affinity groups such as Balch BLOCC and Women’s Initiativewhich all attorneys are welcome to join including allies and others who have a shared interest. We also review qualitative feedback through our mid-year and year-end review processes to further enhance our programming.

Community
Partner with Our Clients & Communities

We work to extend our commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion beyond our workplace by supporting state and local bar associations, organizations, and community-led initiatives, and identifying opportunities to collaborate with clients on efforts within our respective organizations.

Programs for Progress
  • Learning Series

    We believe that strengthening our culture where each member feels valued begins with inclusion. To give our attorneys and professionals the resources they need to promote an inclusive culture, we began production of our Fostering a Connected Culture video series. The series is a set of learning modules that will provide educational resources to empower our team to help nurture a connected firm culture.

  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD)

    We were pleased to serve as members the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), an organization of more than 400 corporate general counsel and law firm managing partners—the leadership of the profession—who are committed to creating an environment where all talent can thrive.  The organization’s action programs are designed to attract, inspire and nurture the very best talent in society and within our organizations, thereby helping a new generation of attorneys excel in the legal profession.  

    Managing Partner Stan Blanton and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Brandi Russell serve as Balch’s representatives to LCLD.

  • Susan B. Livingston Boot Camp for Success

    We host the annual Susan B. Livingston Boot Camp for Success to equip incoming law students with the necessary tools to succeed in law school and throughout their professional careers. The program focuses on attracting promising students from groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession and from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as students facing other significant barriers to entering the legal profession.

    During this two-day program, students will gain a better sense of the law school classroom experience, receive practical tips and advice from judges, in-house counsel and leaders from a variety of backgrounds, network with Balch attorneys and learn tips to enhance their academic and professional success while maximizing law school opportunities. 

  • Balch Business Boost

    Balch Business Boost is a program dedicated to supporting emerging and small disadvantaged businesses by providing free or low-cost legal services. These businesses are critical contributors to our economy - important creators of new jobs and brilliant ideas that make our communities and our economies better. Through this program, we aim to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth that will unlock the potential for sustained momentum for many business leaders across our footprint.

     

Highlights & Initiatives

 

BLOCC
Supporting Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) lawyers.
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Women's Initiative
Supporting women lawyers through cross-office friendship, mentorship, and sponsorship.
Learn More
Boot Camp for Success
Learn More
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report 2023
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report
2022
Read Now
Balch Supports Black Business Month
HOAM Candle Company
Watch & Learn More

Awards

Leader In Diversity 2024
Birmingham Business Journal Partner, Doug Kauffman
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Who's Who in Diversity & Inclusion 2023
Birmingham Business Journal recognized Balch Partner, Irving Jones
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Pathfinder Atlas Award 2023
Awarded to Attorney, Christina Nuñez, by the LCLD
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2023 Compass Award Recipient
Recognized by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD)
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Leader in Diversity 2022
Birmingham Business Journal named Managing Partner, Stan Blanton, Outstanding CEO
Read More
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Latest News & Events

Firm News
Katie Hood and Katherine Carey Join LCLD Fellows and Pathfinder Programs
LCLD is an organization of over 400 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners committed to creating an environment where all talent has the opportunity to thrive. 
February 27, 2025
Firm News
Katie Kimbrell and Ian Burt Join LCLD Fellows and Pathfinder Programs
LCLD is a growing organization of more than 400 legal leaders who are committed to creating a truly diverse U.S. legal profession. 
February 9, 2024
Awards & Rankings
Doug Kauffman Named Leader in Diversity by Birmingham Business Journal
This list highlights individuals who prioritize diversity and serve as creators and facilitators of innovative DEI initiatives in the metro area. 
January 18, 2024
Awards & Rankings
Irving Jones Named to 2023 “Who’s Who in Diversity and Inclusion” List by Birmingham Business Journal
This list highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing diversity and inclusion efforts in the state of Alabama. 
December 18, 2023
Community Engagement
Equal Justice Works' 2023 Scales of Justice
Equal Justice Works facilitates opportunities for law students, lawyers, law school professionals and advocates to advance their passion into a lifelong commitment of public service.
November 1, 2023
Awards & Rankings
Balch Receives 2023 Compass Award from Leadership Council on Legal Diversity for Second Consecutive Year
This recognition marks the second consecutive year that Balch has been acknowledged for its unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the legal profession.
October 25, 2023
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