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Community Engagement

Fostering an inclusive community is the necessary foundation for a successful talent strategy. Celebrating differences, valuing individuals and respecting colleagues creates a workplace environment where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. Our affinity groups and inclusion networks, heritage month celebrations, Citywide Reception and cultural programs are some of the ways we build an inclusive community at Simpson.

Affinity Groups and Inclusion Networks: our affinity groups are supportive communities where lawyers with common affinities, interests and/or goals collaborate to foster greater inclusion at the Firm, with particular focus on associate engagement. Affinity groups and inclusion networks are comprised of lawyers from all levels of seniority, and aim to develop and strengthen relationships among lawyers, particularly across practice areas and seniorities. The Firm supports seven affinity groups in our New York office which are open to all lawyers who wish to participate.

  • Asian Affinity Group
  • Black Lawyers Network
  • Colegas (Latinx)
  • Parents Affinity Group
  • South Asian Affinity Group
  • STB Proud (LGBTQ)
  • Middle Eastern / North African Network

Inclusion Networks: similar to affinity groups, our inclusion networks are comprised of lawyers in our U.S. offices outside of New York, from all levels of seniority at a specific office. Inclusion networks meet and host programs to foster greater inclusion, while strengthening relationships among the lawyers in their respective office. The Firm supports four inclusion networks which are open to all lawyers who wish to participate.

  • Boston
  • Houston
  • Los Angeles
  • Palo Alto
  • Washington, D.C.

Inclusion and Heritage Month Programs: the Firm and Inclusion Committee host quarterly conversations that highlight influential legal practitioners and professionals who provide insights on career paths, achievements and obstacles and celebrate inclusion in the legal profession and in our broader communities, particularly during Heritage Month Celebrations. Some of recent past programs are below. 

  • A presentation by Angela Ford, Founder and Executive Director of The Obsidian Collection
  • A conversation with Juan E. Méndez, a legendary figure in global human rights circles
  • A fireside chat with Evelyn Yang
  • A conversation with Lambda Legal Staff Attorney, Sruti Swaminathan, Legal Services NYC Director of Pro Bono Services, Adam Heintz, and Simpson Thacher Deputy Pro Bono Counsel, Susan Cordaro

Citywide Reception: the Firm is proud to host our annual Citywide Reception. Every year we gather our lawyers, law students and other guests for a discussion on current events and inclusion in the legal profession. Our Citywide Reception is a moment in time where we celebrate inclusion while expanding our knowledge through thought provoking conversations as a community.

In 2024, our featured speaker was award winning actor, filmmaker and activist Taraji P. Henson. A Hollywood star having starred in 75 productions, Henson has also received recognition for her community work. She was the recipient of The Community Hope Award for her mental health advocacy work, honored by the Boston-based Ruderman Family Foundation for her work to end the stigma around mental illness, honored at Variety's annual Power of Women event in 2019 and was also the recipient of the Lucy Award for Excellence in TV.

Previous Citywide Reception speakers include award winning actress Rita Moreno; actress and trans activist Laverne Cox; artist and writer Issa Rae; former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara; American Ballet Theatre Principal ballerina Misty Copeland; award winning playwright and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda; and lawyer and activist Bryan Stevenson.