Committee on Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Comprised of partners and senior associates from each of the firm’s main offices, the Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity executes initiatives for the recruitment, retention and promotion of minority attorneys. The Committee meets regularly to address diversity and inclusion programs, facilitate program implementation, and measure the firm's progress toward achieving its diversity goals. Recognizing that minority attorneys face unique issues, the Committee strives to provide them with opportunities for personal and professional development. It further carries out Katten’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by developing refined strategies for attracting and retaining top diverse talent.

Women's Leadership Forum
In 2004, Katten established the Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF) to support the strategic retention and advancement of women attorneys at the firm. The WLF provides support, mentoring and professional development programs to help women attorneys create strong relationships within the firm and in the wider business community. In addition, the WLF sponsors internal and external business development and networking workshops and other training programs on a regular basis. To learn more about the Women’s Leadership Forum, click here.

Minority Associates Committee
In 2003, the minority associates, with the support and assistance of the Diversity Committee, established the Minority Associates Committee. The Committee, comprised of all minority associates of the firm, meets at least quarterly to discuss mentoring, support and resources necessary for the retention and advancement of our associates of color. The chairpersons of the Minority Associates Committee then meet directly with the Diversity Committee chairs to develop programming designed to achieve these goals.

GLBT Coalition
To formalize and increase its efforts related to sexual orientation and gender identity diversity, Katten founded its GLBT Coalition. The Coalition helps the firm foster a diverse and inclusive environment for attorneys and recruits who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and/or transgender (GLBT). In addition to its internal initiatives, the Coalition sponsors networking events to help GLBT attorneys inside and outside Katten form lasting business relationships and also provides support to organizations that work toward equal rights for GLBT individuals and families in the broader community. Through the efforts of the Coalition, Katten has put a greater focus on hiring GLBT attorneys by recruiting at the annual Lavender Law conference. The firm co-hosted Pride and Practice, a meet and greet event, with LLC (the Lesbian Lawyers Club), a social and networking organization for lesbian attorneys and law students in Chicago.

GLBT Coalition members include:

Daniel E. Lange, Co-Chair

Joshua Wayser, Co-Chair

Diane E. Bell

Michael R. Durnwald