Buckingham revitalizes its Diversity Committee

Buckingham has revitalized the goals, initiatives and purpose for the firm’s Diversity Committee.

“Buckingham is dedicated to attracting, retaining and promoting outstanding lawyers from all backgrounds, from associate level, to partner and leadership roles in our firm,” said John Slagter, Managing Partner. “Our Diversity Committee will work to uphold and support these values.”

The goals and initiatives of the committee include, but are not limited to the following:

• Improving the experience of all lawyers at the firm;
• Promoting awareness and encouraging open and ongoing discussions about diversity issues throughout the firm;
• Focusing on increasing the number of diverse candidates within our firm;
• Increasing the substantive training opportunities for associates of diverse backgrounds;
• Sponsoring diversity-related presentations and professional development programs for all lawyers;
• Organizing diversity training for partners, associates and administrative staff;
• Participating actively in outside organizations that promote diversity;
• Establishing a mentoring program that provides entry to mid-level associates the opportunity to connect with and learn from upper level associates and partners in our firm;
• Providing an open forum for communication with the managing partner of the firm on a quarterly or semi-yearly basis to discuss any concerns or issues that diverse lawyers are facing in the firm or in the community.

“Buckingham recognizes that we must work together every day to respect the different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of others and support our colleagues so they have the ability to develop to their full potential,” said Slagter. “This strengthens our ability to work together as a team so that we can focus on the reason of our existence: our clients.”

The Diversity Committee is comprised of partners, associates and administrative professionals from all three offices in the region. Marietta Pavlidis, Buckingham Partner in the Akron Office, will Chair the committee. Other committee members, include:

• Neil Bhagat: Associate, Cleveland Office
• Amy Friedmann: Partner, Akron Office
• Nick George: Partner and Real Estate & Construction Practice Group Leader, Akron Office
• Justin Greenfelder: Partner, Canton Office
• Aimee Muzic: Legal Assistant, Cleveland Office
• James Simon: Partner, Akron Office
• John Slagter: Managing Partner, Cleveland Office
• Jennifer Slife: Director of Professional Development, Cleveland Office
• Tami Whiteleather: Human Resources Manager, Akron Office