Making Diversity’s Case
why a variety of experiences makes a better law firm
At Burr & Forman, diversity is an important issue for one simple reason: a variety of opinions makes our firm better; it helps us more effectively serve our clients.
If our opinions are formed by our experiences, then we logically get a broader perspective, a greater range of opinion when we add people from differing backgrounds. We get insight into issues that might not come otherwise.
It’s important to note that we don’t add lawyers just to increase our percentages. We hire good lawyers first. But we are always on the lookout for talented people from diverse backgrounds. Because in the end, we must produce results for our clients, and diversity helps us do just that.
Burr & Forman sponsors and participates in job fairs and clerkship programs for diverse law students and employers including:
- Sponsored Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Diversity Summit
- Hosted the 2006 Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association job fair
- Sponsored the Atlanta Bar Association Clerkship Program
- Participated in the Nashville Bar Association Clerkship Program
We participate in diversity programs sponsored by the Defense Research Institute, as well as various diversity initiatives organized by state and local bar associations in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.
We are actively involved as speakers, sponsors and participants in various bar association groups, such as the National Bar Association, the Magic City Bar Association and the Women Lawyers Section of the Birmingham Bar Association. We have current and past leaders in some of these organizations.
Diversity Committee
![[Pic]](http://www.burr.com/pics/c41fc6ce%20f04.jpg)
Lawrence Ahern
// Partner
Alternative and Renewable Energy, Creditors' Rights, Bankruptcy
![[Pic]](http://www.burr.com/pics/d54091af8a8f.jpg)
Deborah Franz
// Partner
Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Planning , Securities, Securities Regulation, Private Equity & Venture Capital, Alternative and Renewable Energy
![[Pic]](http://www.burr.com/pics/3633.jpg)
Ricky McKinney
// Partner
Insurance Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution
Diversity Statement
Burr & Forman LLP is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing and promoting lawyers and staff without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability.
We recognize that our ability to serve our clients is strengthened by establishing a diverse workforce in which differences are accepted and valued on an inclusive basis.
Burr & Forman LLP desires to foster a multi-cultured atmosphere that provides a cooperative work environment where everyone is treated with mutual respect, trust and understanding, and where everyone can reach their full potential. The firm values the knowledge and talents of a multicultural team in order to meet and exceed individual and business goals, and client expectations.