Balch Receives 2023 Compass Award from Leadership Council on Legal Diversity for Second Consecutive Year

Balch & Bingham is proud to announce that the firm has once again been named a 2023 Compass Award recipient by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD). 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.

“We are honored to be recognized again as a Compass Award recipient,” said Brandi Russell, Balch & Bingham's Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Director of Talent Management. “We are proud of the progress we have made, and we recognize that there is still work to be done. We remain dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered." 

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

• Managing Partner engagement with LCLD;
• Participation in LCLD Fellows and Pathfinder Programs;
• Participation in an LCLD Pipeline program.

“We are proud to be recognized for our ongoing efforts to achieve a diverse and inclusive legal profession and appreciate the opportunity to participate in LCLD programs,” said Stan Blanton, Managing Partner. “We will continue to work to cultivate an environment where people of all backgrounds and perspectives can thrive at their highest level.”   

Additionally, Christina Nuñez, attorney in the Jackson office and member of the Corporate & Commercial Practice, was awarded the inaugural Pathfinder Atlas Award. This award is designed to recognize Pathfinders who have the highest levels of engagement throughout the program.

Founded in 2009, LCLD is a growing organization of more than 450 corporate general counsel and law firm managing partners who are committed to ensuring that all talent thrives, with the ultimate goal of building a more equitable and diverse legal profession.

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. We have also implemented a DE&I learning series, which provides educational resources to empower our team to help nurture an inclusive firm culture, as well as a billable credit program that encourages attorneys to participate in approved DE&I activities.