Inclusion & Belonging

Change comes from within. Cohen Seglias recognizes the importance of having a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. The firm’s inclusion strategy concentrates on recruitment and retention, education and training, and employee engagement. Our Inclusion & Belonging committee is chaired by Jennifer Budd, who has a seat on the firm’s executive committee.

Diversity is important to us because our people are our most valuable asset. Each of us brings unique perspectives that add value to the firm. For us, diversity is both the differences we can see in each other and our communities and those that are less visible, such as differences in background, experience, socio-economic status and thought. We embrace diversity because it celebrates the collective differences that help make our firm a place where our employees can thrive and grow and produce sound legal results for our clients.

Jennifer R. Budd, Partner and Former Chair, Inclusion & Belonging Committee

Recruitment and Retention

Our approach includes developing initiatives to recruit, support, and retain attorneys and professional staff from diverse backgrounds. The Inclusion & Belonging committee is charged with evaluating the firm’s recruiting, onboarding and training programs to foster the participation of more diverse talent. As part of our initiative, we have partnered with the Philadelphia Diversity Law Group, which supports and encourages the recruitment, retention, advancement and promotion of lawyers of diverse and/or disadvantaged backgrounds by law firms and corporate law departments.

We recognize that what unites us is a result of our different backgrounds and paths traveled. We create opportunities for our people by navigating our differences and acknowledging the advantages and disparities to create a level playing field. We mentor and support our employees to learn and grow to advance their careers.

Steven M. Williams, Managing Partner

Education and Training

We believe that fostering a deeper understanding of inclusion and belonging within the firm is important to support the advancement of all employees. The firm regularly conducts inclusion-focused training and education. The Women’s Initiative at Cohen Seglias is dedicated to the retention and advancement of its attorneys, enabling career growth through training, mentoring, networking, and business development opportunities.

We respect, value and empower our employees to share their opinions and experiences, allowing them to be truly comfortable in the workplace. We provide employees with a safe avenue to voice concerns, confront the behaviors of those with conscious or unconscious biases, and provide continued training to employees to promote a culture of inclusion.    

Kathleen Garrity, Chief Operating Officer

Engagement

We believe in active engagement as a firm and as individuals. In addition to executing initiatives internally, we extend our dedication to inclusion through community connections. The firm promotes hiring minority, disadvantaged, veteran and women-owned vendors for outside services. Our attorneys are also members of a wide range of associations that promote and celebrate diversity.

Some of these organizations include:

• • Allegheny County Bar Association, Women in Law Division
  • American Jewish Committee
  • Commercial Real Estate Women Network
  • Jewish Business Network
  • Jewish Federation Real Estate Group
  • Latin Builders Association
  • International Association of Women
  • Metro DC Hispanic Contractors Association
  • National Association of Minority Contractors-Tristate Chapter
  • National Association of Women in Construction
  • Partners for Women and Justice
  • Philadelphia Diversity Law Group
  • Professional Women in Construction