Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Welcome

Thank you for visiting our diversity page, where we describe Eastman & Smith's DEI efforts, including its affinity group the Women of Eastman & Smith (WES)

DEI Mission Statement

Eastman & Smith is committed to embracing and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within our Firm and throughout the legal profession. We believe diverse perspectives help us to provide the highest quality legal services to our clients. We strive to cultivate a respectful, supportive workplace where all people feel valued for who they are.

Community Programs and Partnerships

Eastman & Smith promotes the inclusion of all people through its involvement with community and professional organizations, such as  HerHub, Columbus Schools Special Olympics and affinity groups at the University of Toledo College of Law and other area law schools.  The Firm has long standing involvement with programs and organizations like the following. 

Columbus Bar Association's Managing Partners' Diversity Initiative and its Minority Clerkship Program

The dual purpose of the Minority Clerkship Program is to provide both legal experience and education to law students from under-represented groups such as African American, Asian, Hispanic and Native American as well as retain attorneys from under-represented groups.   CBA's Managing Partners' Diversity Initiative's goal is to attract and retain law students and attorneys from under-represented groups.

Law & Leadership Institute

The Law & Leadership Institute reaches out to high school students from under-represented communities in order to inform them of opportunities in legal careers as well as prepare them for careers in the profession.

Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges

OFIC facilitates a connection between students in need and donors so students of varied economic backgrounds have a chance to complete their educations.  Eastman & Smith is honored to be an 11 year scholarship donor to students who plan to enroll in law school upon completion of their undergraduate degrees.

Toledo Women's Bar Association

TWBA's mission includes continuing legal education, legislation affecting women, career opportunities for female attorneys and maintain the legal profession's honor and integrity.  One of TWBA's past presidents is an attorney with our Firm.

University Toledo College of Law's Black Law Students Association and Champions' Circle

Providing career and academic assistance to law students from under-represented communities is the purpose of the Black Law Students Association.  Eastman & Smith has taken an active role with BLSA members, acting as mentors and hosting networking events.

News & Events

For recent DEI news and events involving Eastman & Smith, please visit our News & Events page.  You can find substantive legal articles on DEI issues in the Articles section of our web site.

Women of Eastman & Smith

WES Mission Statement

Founded in 2008, Women of Eastman & Smith is an affinity group dedicated to the attraction and retention of talented women attorneys, fostering successful client relationships and promoting leadership within the Firm and community.  Members of WES have held leadership positions in the Firm and other organizations, been quoted in the media and received honors and awards. Additionally, WES has received national news coverage in The National Law Review.

Community Programs and Partnerships

Keeping with the Firm's DEI mission of promoting the inclusion of all people through involvement with community and professional organizations, WES has lent its support to the following groups.

Baby University

Providing parents with the tools and skills they need to help their children's education and development is the purpose of Baby University.  "Beating poverty together" through these efforts is BabyU's focus.  WES held several book drives in support of BabyU.

The Cocoon

The Cocoon is an organization who provides a safe location for survivors of sexual and domestic violence and their children and pets.   Services provided encompass economic empowerment, transportation, support groups and programs for children.  WES was honored to assist the shelter by collecting for their Holiday Assistance Program.

HerHub

Connecting women owned businesses with clients and contacts and developing support systems is primary emphasis of HerHub.  WES held a networking event for HerHub members.

Shoes That Fit

Shoes That Fit provides children in need with new shoes in an effort to improve their lives.  In support of that goal, WES held several shoe drives

News & Events

For recent WES news and events, please visit our News & Events page.