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Member spotlight: Dykema’s commitment to diversity

Dykema Gossett PLLC (Dykema), a national law firm has actively engaged in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts for several decades. The bedrock of the firm’s process is emphases on respect, belonging and collaboration.

Sherrie Farrell, a partner and the firm’s first chief diversity officer, has been utilizing her background to enhance both the firm’s efforts and client partnerships over the years. Here’s how:

  1. A lot of Dykema’s DE&I work starts at the recruiting and hiring level. Job fairs provide a great opportunity to meet candidates from all walks of life. Farrell shared, “We’re very intentional about it and sometimes what intentionality looks like is that we may go to a job fair that is focused on a wide array of diverse students. For example, LGBTQ+ students or Asian students. Or we may partner with a client at a women lawyers event or partner with local legal associations.” Lateral partnerships are another way Dykema leans into the inclusive process.
  2. Inclusion has its foundation in collaboration, belonging and respect. Best practices arise by inviting not just one voice but all voices to the table in decision-making, teambuilding and company vision. After all, as Farrell emphasized, “The journey of diversity, equity and inclusion is not a solo one. The very nature of inclusion requires collaboration across the board. When I say ‘across the board,’ I mean across all races, genders, disabilities, and military status — everything sector.”
  3. Dykema fosters DE&I growth externally with clients and industry leaders. This has led to growth for younger associates, additional business and networking opportunities, and witnessing change in industry dynamics. When a business is onboard and expressive of giving all employees individual support, the passion will radiate outwards for others to believe that DE&I growth is tangible — with persistence and patience.

Farrell summarizes, “The goal [of DE&I] is to build an inclusive environment…that provides excellent service for our clients. The level of service differs if you’re just relying on one mindset.” The successful business is one that takes an amalgamation of mindsets to craft every piece required to solve a puzzle.

Learn more about Dykema’s DE&I efforts or visit the MI Chamber’s page for 2024 DE&I programming.

Dykema Gossett PLLC (Dykema), a national law firm has actively engaged in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts for several decades. The bedrock of the firm’s process is emphases on respect, belonging and collaboration.

Sherrie Farrell, a partner and the firm’s first chief diversity officer, has been utilizing her background to enhance both the firm’s efforts and client partnerships over the years. Here’s how:

  1. A lot of Dykema’s DE&I work starts at the recruiting and hiring level. Job fairs provide a great opportunity to meet candidates from all walks of life. Farrell shared, “We’re very intentional about it and sometimes what intentionality looks like is that we may go to a job fair that is focused on a wide array of diverse students. For example, LGBTQ+ students or Asian students. Or we may partner with a client at a women lawyers event or partner with local legal associations.” Lateral partnerships are another way Dykema leans into the inclusive process.
  2. Inclusion has its foundation in collaboration, belonging and respect. Best practices arise by inviting not just one voice but all voices to the table in decision-making, teambuilding and company vision. After all, as Farrell emphasized, “The journey of diversity, equity and inclusion is not a solo one. The very nature of inclusion requires collaboration across the board. When I say ‘across the board,’ I mean across all races, genders, disabilities, and military status — everything sector.”
  3. Dykema fosters DE&I growth externally with clients and industry leaders. This has led to growth for younger associates, additional business and networking opportunities, and witnessing change in industry dynamics. When a business is onboard and expressive of giving all employees individual support, the passion will radiate outwards for others to believe that DE&I growth is tangible — with persistence and patience.

Farrell summarizes, “The goal [of DE&I] is to build an inclusive environment…that provides excellent service for our clients. The level of service differs if you’re just relying on one mindset.” The successful business is one that takes an amalgamation of mindsets to craft every piece required to solve a puzzle.

Learn more about Dykema’s DE&I efforts or visit the MI Chamber’s page for 2024 DE&I programming.