Balch Recognized by Leadership Council on Legal Diversity as 2022 Compass Award Winner

Balch & Bingham is proud to announce that we have been named a 2022 Compass Award winner by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD). This award recognizes law firms and corporations that demonstrate a strong commitment to building diverse organizations and a more inclusive legal profession. In addition, Managing Partner Stan Blanton was honored as a Leader at the Front, publicly committing to incorporating diversity and inclusion into organizational changes that are meaningful and measurable.

"The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and Balch share a common pursuit – to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce among those serving in the legal profession. Balch strives to make an impact and foster an inclusive environment within our firm, our profession, and the wider community. We are honored to be recognized with the Compass Award by the LCLD, and I am happy to serve alongside others as a Leader at the Front," Managing Partner Stan Blanton commented. 

The Compass Award recognizes those individuals and organizations that fulfill all the following requirements in a single calendar year: 

• Member attendance at the 2022 LCLD Annual Membership Meeting and/or Member attendance at a 2022 Leadership Summit and/or submission of a Leader's Pledge
• Participation in LCLD Fellows and Pathfinder Programs
• Participation in an LCLD Pipeline program

LCLD is one of the nation's leading organizations promoting diversity. It consists of more than 350 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners—the leadership of the profession—who have dedicated themselves to creating a truly diverse U.S. legal profession. 

"Over the past few years, the firm has committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion at every level, both internally and for the next generation of talented lawyers," said Brandi Russell, Balch & Bingham's Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Director of Talent Management. "This honor affirms the collaborative efforts made by the firm as we seek to improve the lives of people who have been forced to overcome unnecessary barriers to achieving success."

Balch & Bingham is committed to setting an example and raising the standards for diverse workplaces both in the legal industry and beyond. The firm's DE&I initiatives include signature programs The Susan B. Livingston Boot Camp for Success, which equips incoming law students with the necessary tools to succeed in law school and throughout their professional careers, and Balch Business Boost, which supports entrepreneurs of color and/or women-owned businesses and start-ups by providing free or low-cost legal services.