Overview

Contact: Elizabeth Joy Fossel

Varnum’s tradition and culture strongly support valuing differences. More than a dozen years ago, Varnum established a Diversity Team with a mission of developing and implementing strategies for enhancing the firm’s culture toward an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of diversity.

In addition to the firm’s historical efforts, some of which are documented here, we recently strengthened our commitment with the adoption of the Varnum Diversity and Inclusion Principles, a comprehensive strategy to continue building diversity into the fabric of the firm.

Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council

Among the principles are the establishment of the Varnum Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council, which provides input regarding the firm’s recruiting, retention and educational efforts. The Council is made up of business and community leaders of various racial and ethnic backgrounds. Its purpose is to strengthen the firm’s commitment to a culture that values racial diversity and inclusion by providing a variety of perspectives.

The Diversity and Inclusion Principles also include the establishment of two diversity scholarships created to provide encouragement and support of greater ethnic and racial diversity in the legal profession, and the expectation that all Varnum attorneys devote a meaningful number of hours each year to diversity and inclusion activities.

Recognition and Awards

Varnum was the recipient of The Pillar Award given by the Women's Resource Center in 2010, in recognition of the firm's efforts to support women.

The firm was named "21st Century Innovator of the Year" by The Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and Michigan Lawyers Weekly in recognition of Varnum's "outstanding efforts in recruiting and retention." (2008)

In 2008, Varnum was named "Law Firm of the Year" by Michigan State University College of Law Diversity Services Office & the Wolverine Student Bar Association/NBLSA. Varnum received the award for "making extraordinary strides to diversify the legal profession and support MSU College of Law diversity initiatives by providing financial assistance and career opportunities for its diverse students."

In recognition of Varnum’s efforts to support the minority business community on many fronts, Varnum was named "Advocate of the Year" in 2004 by the Minority Business Council of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes that the firm not only represents women- and minority-owned businesses but also supports many community organizations dedicated to improving the business climate for minorities.

Varnum also received the 2004 Employer Recognition Award given by the Grand Rapids Women’s Resource Center. This prestigious award recognizes that we have created an environment in which women and minorities can grow, contribute and succeed.

Varnum was named one of the "101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" in 2011, for the fourth year in a row.