Goldberg Kohn Launches GK Advocates, a Firmwide Program Designed to Support the Recruitment, Retention and Promotion of Diverse Lawyers
Goldberg Kohn today announced the launch of GK Advocates, a firmwide program designed to support the recruitment, retention and promotion of diverse lawyers. The initiative provides associates with mentoring, training, professional development, business development and networking opportunities.
“While diversity and inclusion continue to be an industry focus, it is incumbent upon law firms to create programs and policies that are actually effective,” said the Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee. “With this effort, we continue to build upon our commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity that supports growth, leadership and retention, and encourages an environment in which all our lawyers can thrive.”
Within the GK Advocates program, participants will receive career and business development training as they continue their client work. Each attorney will be supported by their own Advocate Council comprised of a sponsor selected by the participant; a formal firm Partner mentor; their Department Chair; a Marketing Department representative and the firm Diversity Coordinator.
The new initiative augments the firm’s existing diversity program, which includes membership in the Chicago Committee, active participation in organizations and conferences working to increase law firm diversity, and a long-standing commitment to community involvement in support of underrepresented individuals and groups.
Although diversity reports published by both the National Association for Law Placement and Vault/MCCA reveal only modest gains in law firm representation of diverse populations, Goldberg Kohn is determined to proactively move in a positive direction. The firm’s founding principles and continuing culture have inspired the creation of an inclusive and supportive organization where all individuals prosper and are celebrated for the value that they bring to the firm and its clients.
To help facilitate the GK Advocates program, the firm is partnering with Diversity Lab and will offer the organization’s OnTrack professional development program to the GK Advocates participants. The associates will work with a career coach and members of their Advocate Council to develop and execute career and business development goals that will be charted with OnTrack's custom technology platform to encourage accountability, communication and collaboration among participants. At the end of the nine-month OnTrack program, the associates will be given the opportunity to design and implement their own business development event with the support of the firm's Marketing Department.
William Mech, COO at Goldberg Kohn said: “When we focus on fostering and sustaining diversity, everyone wins. Our diverse attorneys deepen their skills and prepare for partnership and leadership roles, the firm develops an inclusive mindset that promotes understanding and inspires creativity, and our clients benefit from a broad range of thought in our teams and in our work.”
About Goldberg Kohn
Since 1976 Goldberg Kohn has grown to become one of the nation's most respected mid-size law firms. Based in Chicago with national reach, the firm advises clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to privately-held firms on a broad range of financial, transactional and litigation matters. Focused on Commercial Finance, Corporate, Bankruptcy, Real Estate, Intellectual Property and Litigation, Goldberg Kohn is looking ahead to new industries and emerging challenges, developing opportunities for current clients and new relationships. The firm is regularly recognized by leading legal publications including Chambers and Partners, The American Lawyer, World Trademark Review, and M&A Advisor. For more information visit www.goldbergkohn.com.
