“Diversity in our firm is like a collaboration of race, socio-economics, gender, age and beliefs — all working toward one common goal. All of the different viewpoints we bring to the table ensure that our clients get the best thinking, the best ideas for solving their particular problems.“
— Janine Smith

“Diversity, from the mailroom to the boardroom, gives any organization a competitive advantage wherever it seeks to accomplish its corporate mission.“
— Kermit Kendrick

For more information on diversity at Burr & Forman, click here to read our Diversity Brochure [PDF]

Making Diversity’s Case

why a variety of experiences makes a better law firm

At Burr & Forman, diversity is an important issue for one simple reason: a variety of opinions makes our firm better; it helps us more effectively serve our clients.

If our opinions are formed by our experiences, then we logically get a broader perspective, and a greater range of views when we add people from differing backgrounds.

It’s important to note that we don’t add lawyers just to increase our percentages. We hire good lawyers first. But we are always on the lookout for talented people from diverse backgrounds. In the end, we must produce results for our clients, and diversity is a big part of doing that.

Burr & Forman sponsors and participates in job fairs and clerkship programs for diverse law students and provides scholarships for diverse law students. A sample listing is noted below:

• Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Diversity Summit
• Atlanta Bar Association Minority Clerkship Program
• Nashville Bar Association Minority Clerkship Program
• Burr & Forman LLP Annual Diversity Scholarship, University of Alabama School of Law
• A. Brand Walton, Jr. Scholarship, University of Alabama School of Law
• Burr & Forman LLP Endowed Scholarship, University of Alabama School of Law

We participate in diversity programs sponsored by the Defense Research Institute, as well as various diversity initiatives organized by state and local bar associations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.

We are actively involved as speakers, sponsors and participants in various bar association groups, such as the National Bar Association, the Magic City Bar Association and the Women Lawyers Section of the Birmingham Bar Association. We have current and past leaders in some of these organizations.

Diversity Committee

Kermit Kendrick // Partner

Transportation, Financial Services

Lawrence Ahern // Partner

Alternative and Renewable Energy, Creditors' Rights, Bankruptcy

Ashley Hattaway // Partner

Labor & Employment, Commercial Litigation

Eric Hatten // Partner

Financial Services

Jessica K. Hew // Partner

Appellate, Condominium Law...

Kwende B. Jones // Associate

Financial Services

Forrest Latta // Partner

Litigation, Insurance Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Product Liability, Telecommunications & Media

Mike Lucas // Partner

Labor & Employment

Darlene T. Marsh // Partner

Alternative and Renewable Energy, Environmental & Land Use...

Janine Smith // Partner

Creditors' Rights, Bankruptcy

Peter Spanos // Partner

Labor & Employment

Ricardo Woods // Associate

Employee Benefits, Labor & Employment, Insurance Litigation

Diversity Statement

Burr & Forman LLP is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing and promoting lawyers and staff without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.

We recognize that our ability to serve our clients is strengthened by establishing a diverse workforce in which differences are accepted and valued on an inclusive basis.

Burr & Forman LLP desires to foster a multi-cultured atmosphere that provides a cooperative work environment where everyone is treated with mutual respect, trust and understanding, and where everyone can reach their full potential. The firm values the knowledge and talents of a multicultural team in order to meet and exceed individual and business goals, and client expectations.