denotes premium content | Sep 8 2010 Feature
posted 6 May 2009 in Volume 1 Issue 3
Winstead PC Diversity Initiatives
Diversity is an essential ingredient of Winstead's culture and success. Our firm and our firm's leadership team are strongly committed to the recruitment, retention, development and advancement of men and women of all backgrounds so that our workforce reflects the diversity of our clients and our communities. This commitment to diversity applies to our attorneys, staff and to the selection of our business partners and vendors.
For the past two years, Winstead has refocused its efforts and resources to achieve meaningful increases in diversity within our firm. And although we are proud of our progress, we recognize that we must continue to set new goals and expand our efforts.
Women's Alliance
The Winstead Women's Alliance, formed in 2007, is an internal, forward-thinking association that complements and collaborates with the firm's Diversity Committee. Founded to ensure that opportunities are available to all Winstead lawyers, irrespective of gender, the Women’s Alliance addresses topics of interest to women at our firm and in the legal profession.
Continuing to move forward with its goals and plans that were set in 2007, the Women's Alliance hosted three landmark business development and networking events for firm clients in Austin, Dallas and Houston in May of 2008. These events were designed to promote business development and networking opportunities for both clients and the Women's Alliance. They also hosted a "Giving with Style" fashion show and cocktail reception donating all proceeds to Dress for Success Austin, who's mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Women in Law
Winstead attorney Martha Smiley was featured on the cover of the Winter 2008 UT Law, the magazine of the University of Texas School of Law. She is one of the founders of the newly created Center for Women in Law at UT. The center will identify and address persistent issues facing women in the legal profession by advocating for significant and lasting change. The center's ambition is to become a nationally acclaimed institution dedicated to improving the status of women in law.
Former Houston city council member and former Mayor Pro Tem, Graciela Saenz, joined the firm during the latter part of 2008. "We are committed to expanding client service and building strong business relationship in Houston. Bringing Gracie to the Winstead team is a positive and beneficial move for our firm and we are extremely pleased that she is joining us. Gracie has a lifetime of impressive accomplishments and a proven record of dedication to the City of Houston, its community and its economy. She is well-respected—born, educated and raised here—and she is dedicated to the efforts that give our city its rich culture and warm reputation as a place to thrive in business," said Winstead CEO and Chairman Denis Braham.
Diversity Scholarships
In 2008, the firm launched the Winstead Juris Doctor Scholarship program targeting first-year top minority candidates. This year, Winstead is proud to award three $20,000 Winstead Juris Doctor Scholarships to first-year, underrepresented diverse law students at the following Texas law schools: The University of Texas School of Law, The University of Houston Law Center, and Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law.
Through the efforts of the Diversity Committee, we have systematically implemented activities such as monitoring case assignments for participation of diverse attorneys; skill strengthening and mentoring for all attorneys; introducing diverse attorneys to key clients for fostering lasting relationships; and revision of Winstead's alternative work policy, mentoring program and assignment systems.
About Winstead PC
Winstead is among the largest business law firms in Texas. Winstead attorneys and consultants serve as trusted advisors to mid-market and large businesses, providing a core range of legal services that are critical to their operation and success. From its well-known reputation in the real estate, financial services and technology industries to its corporate and high-stakes litigation practices, Winstead delivers practical knowledge and responsive service. And it’s all backed by a get-it-done attitude.
For detailed information about Winstead, visit winstead.com
Firm Information:
Patty Stewart – Director of HR
pstewart@winstead.com
Dominique Anderson – Director of Attorney Recruiting
danderson@winstead.com
Office/Firm Size:
7 Offices (Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, The Woodlands, Texas; and Washington, D.C.)
Total Employees: 625
Attorneys Only: 286
Demographics
Female: 367
Male: 258
Caucasian, female: 292
African American, female: 40
Hispanic, female: 28
Asian, female: 12
Native American, female: 2
Two or more races, female: 3
Caucasian, male: 221
African American, male: 8
Hispanic, male: 16
Asian, male: 10
Native American, male: 3
Two or more races, male: 0
Primary Practice Areas
Finance & Banking
Real Estate
Corporate, Securities/Mergers & Acquisitions
Business Restructuring/Bankruptcy
Corporate Litigation
Student Information
Fall Incoming Class 2009
Baylor Law School: 1
Cornell University Law School: 1
University of Notre Dame Law School: 1
Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law: 2
University of Texas School of Law: 4
Tulane University Law School: 1
University of Houston Law Center: 1
Summer Program – Second Year Students (Class of 2010)
Baylor Law School: 2
University of Michigan Law School: 1
Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law: 2
University of Texas School of Law: 5
University of Houston Law Center: 4
Vanderbilt University Law School: 1
Benefits
401(k) and profit sharing plans
Parking/public transportation allowances
Attorney retreat (including spouses)
Blackberry devices
Laptop computer option
Cafeteria plans (health, vision, dental)
Life insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Backup care options
Employee discounts on numerous services ranging from flowers/plants and clothes purchases to computers, cars etc.
Bar memberships
Business development expenses
In-house continuing legal education courses
Free employee assistance program
Winstead4Life wellness program
Diversity Information
Fall Incoming Class of 2009
45% women
45% students of color
Summer Program - Second Year Students (Class of 2010)
40% women
33% students of color
Initiatives
1. Winstead Juris Doctor Scholarship Program
2. Participate in diversity job fairs during fall recruiting
· Sunbelt Minority Recruitment Program
· Southeastern Minority Job Fair
3. Sponsorship of minority student organization events
4. Other key organizations and events Winstead actively supports:
· Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program Co-sponsor
· Texas Minority Counsel Program
· Minority Corporate Counsel Association
· National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
· Black Law Students Association
· Thurgood Marshall Legal Society
· Hispanic National Bar Association
· Texas Diversity Council Symposiums
· Anti-Defamation League seminars and award luncheon
· The 2007 Impulse Artist Series
