STRENGTHENING DIVERSE PIPELINE AND REPRESENTATION

Balch’s dedication to providing excellent client service is rooted in our commitment to recruiting and developing diverse teams – comprised of talented people with different backgrounds, viewpoints and skill sets – where each member feels valued and empowered to contribute at their highest level.

Diversity-focused Recruiting Activities and Events

Balch regularly participates in diversity-focused pipeline and recruiting events. Some examples include:

• Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) 1L Scholars Program

• Networking and roundtable sessions at several institutions, including Alabama, Cumberland, Howard, Mississippi College, University of Mississippi, Stillman College, Vanderbilt, and Washington University.

• National Black Pre-Law Conference

• National HBCU Pre-Law Summit & Law Expo

• Southeastern Minority Job Fair

• Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA) Panels

• University of Alabama School of Law’s Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program

• Howard University School of Law 1L Networking Reception

Susan B. Livingston Boot Camp for Success

On July 21-22, 2022 Balch & Bingham hosted the firm’s 11th annual Susan B. Livingston Boot Camp for Success. This two-day program is designed to equip aspiring and incoming law students with the necessary tools to succeed in law school and throughout their professional careers. Boot Camp participants gain a better sense of the law school classroom experience; receive practical tips and advice from judges, in-house counsel and leaders from a variety of backgrounds; network with Balch attorneys; and, learn tips to enhance their academic professional success while maximizing law school opportunities. The program focuses on attracting promising students from groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession and from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as students facing other significant barriers to entering the legal profession.

After 10 years, the program now includes more than 500 alumni. Watch the Boot Camp video here.

LCLD 1L Scholars

Serving as Balch’s 2022 LCLD Scholar provided me with the opportunity to connect with a plethora of attorneys, who have all made a strong commitment to making our legal profession more diverse in every aspect! Being introduced to these amazing individuals has reassured me that I have a place in this profession, and I have supporters who truly care about my development as a professional.”

Joe Curry 1L Summer Associate, Birmingham

I am extremely grateful to have been named an LCLD Scholar. As I matriculate from a law student to a lawyer, I will seek to pay it forward in the same way that was done for me. This is necessary to ensure the legal community continues to move forward instead of backward.”

Garett Eldred 1L Summer Associate, Atlanta

Being an LCLD Scholar has impacted my law school career by giving me an increased sense of confidence in my capabilities. Working at Balch & Bingham this summer was an opportunity that exceeded my expectations. I’ve gained realworld experience, mentors, and friends that I will always be grateful for.”

Nina Hylton 1L Summer Associate, Montgomery