Ethnic Diversity Committee

Heller Ehrman’s Ethnic Diversity Committee is commited to supporting and increasing the racial and ethnic diversity of the firm. It is a firm-wide group that works in close collaboration with the Office Diversity Committees, which focus on issues of ethnic diversity as well as issues concerning attorneys who are self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered.

Current Goals and Achievements

• Hiring: In 2004, the Ethnic Diversity Committee established Heller Ehrman’s Diversity Fellowship program. This program offers scholarships to talented summer associates who would contribute to the firm's diversity. In each of the last three years, the firm has awarded four such scholarships – one each from our East Coast, Southern California, Northern California, and Pacific Northwest offices. Heller Ehrman receives hundreds of applications from an extraordinary group of law students, and attracts talented students to our summer associate classes.
• Retention: In conjunction with firm-wide management, the Ethnic Diversity Committee has developed a mentoring program to ensure that all associates –  including associates of color –  receive effective mentoring for their continued career development. 
• Cultural Observances:  The Ethnic Diversity Committee has sought to recognize and celebrate the diversity within our firm. One way the Committee has done this is by circulating daily reminders about holidays and events celebrated in countries and cultures around the world.