Brandi Russell, chief diversity & inclusion officer and director of talent management, sat down with her alma mater, Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law to discuss her new role at Balch. In the article, published March 7, 2021, Brandi reflects on her education at Cumberland, discusses the mentors who provided important guidance and shares advice for law students as they navigate their career search and prepare to enter the workforce.
Brandi also shared her goals and vision as she takes on this new leadership role, the first of its kind for Balch & Bingham. “I hope to help inspire a bold energy around cultivating inclusive spaces,” said Brandi. “We are all members of the Balch family because we believe in the mission of Balch – to cultivate a diverse team that is empowered to deliver value with a creative approach, practical counsel, and proactive insight and to ensure that our communities flourish and advance.”
As chief diversity & inclusion officer and director of talent management, Brandi will work alongside firm leadership and its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council to lead the firm’s diversity strategy, addressing opportunities to enhance diversity and inclusion at every level. In addition, she will expand recruitment and retention initiatives with a focus on next generation talent. Brandi will also direct the implementation of the firm’s professional development program to ensure attorneys have the resources needed to achieve their career goals and deliver greater value to clients.
Brandi earned her J.D. from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama. Additionally, Brandi is a 2013 graduate of Balch’s Susan B. Livingston Boot Camp for Success, an annual pipeline program for minority and underrepresented law students across the Southeast designed to introduce students to the rigors of law, learn the skills they need to be successful in law school and gain a deeper understanding of the legal profession and future career opportunities.
