DEVELOPING AND ADVANCING UNDERREPRESENTED LAWYERS

Affinity Groups

Balch BLOCC (BIPOC Lawyers, Opportunities, Culture and Connection)

More recently, Balch launched its second affinity group, Balch BIPOC Lawyers Opportunities, Culture and Connection (Balch BLOCC). Balch BLOCC actively supports Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) lawyers through monthly meetings that aim to foster professional development and cross-office mentorship. BLOCC also highlights the unique challenges facing racially and ethnically diverse communities and promotes increasing and retaining the number of racially and ethnically diverse groups within the firm and throughout the legal profession.

The BLOCC initiative has hosted numerous recruiting activities and events. These few initiatives include networking and roundtable sessions at Alabama, Cumberland, Howard, Mississippi College, University of Mississippi, Stillman College, Vanderbilt, and Washington University; panel sessions as part of the National Black Pre-Law Conference and the National HBCU Pre-Law Summit; and, presentations for the Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association (SRBLSA).

Watch the Balch BLOCC video here.

“Through Balch BLOCC, we work to highlight the unique challenges facing racially and ethnically diverse communities and promote increasing the number of racially and ethnically diverse groups within the firm and throughout the legal profession.”

Tashwanda Pinchback Dixon, Chair of Balch BLOCC

To me, Balch BLOCC is all about visibility, awareness, and progress. Balch BLOCC is a unique organization that highlights the strengths of Balch’s lawyers who come from underrepresented communities. It is comprised of a coalition of minority lawyers in Balch’s offices across the county, all working together to promote not only the firm’s continued success but also the personal and professional growth of its employees. For younger lawyers like myself, Balch BLOCC serves as a network for opportunity, support, and advancement. It not only recognizes different perspectives and opinions but truly welcomes and values them.”