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Community

Fostering an inclusive community is the necessary foundation for a successful DEI 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 Diversity Reception and DEI 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 development and 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 six affinity groups in our New York office.

  • Asian Affinity Group
  • Black Lawyer’s Network
  • Parents Affinity Group
  • STB Proud (LGBTQ attorneys)
  • STB Colegas (Latinx attorneys)
  • South Asian Affinity Group

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.

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

Inclusion and Heritage Month Programs: the Firm and Diversity 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 conversation with comedian and actor Ronny Chieng
    • A fireside conversation with award winning journalist and author Maria Hinojosa
    • A conversation with Judge Denny Chin, Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
    • A discussion with Olympic medalist, Dr. John Carlos 
    • A conversation with New York Public Library General Counsel Michele Coleman Mayes
    • A conversation with James Essex, Director, ACLU LGBT & AIDS Project 

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

In 2022, our featured speaker was award winning actress Rita Moreno. Recognized as one of the most celebrated actors of our time, Rita Moreno has won all four major industry awards—Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony—and other notable accolades such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is also known as a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion during her illustrious career in the entertainment industry.

Last year, the Firm hosted its first ever Winter Citywide Diversity Reception featuring Issa Rae, a Black artist whose collective work has shed light on the stories, voices and challenges within the Black community. Issa recently lead a MasterClass program “Creating Outside the Line,” in which she shared how she navigates Hollywood while Black and provides guidance and inspiration to other artists of color to elevate their craft and the Black culture. 

In 2019, we recognized the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising featuring a conversation with actress and trans activist, Laverne Cox. Ms. Cox discussed the significance and contributions of members in the trans community to LGBTQ rights and her own journey and success in the arts and community.

Previous Citywide Diversity Reception speakers include 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.