Young Conaway actively seeks to further this commitment through our Diversity Committee and the implementation of focused mentoring and professional development initiatives. Our DEI focus has been amplified by the hiring of a full-time Diversity Director who focuses 100% of her time on impactful diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Our firm leadership has also engaged external DEI consultants and held firm-wide listening sessions. Young Conaway’s attorneys and business professionals also find community and fulfillment in the firm's support of:
- Affinity Groups - Young Conaway's affinity groups are organized around shared experiences and are responsible for sponsoring activities and discussions that promote inclusion, diversity and other changes in the workplace. Our current affinity groups are the Women's Initiative, LGBTQ+, First Generation, READY (Retaining, Engaging, and Amplifying Diversity at YCST) and Military, Veterans an First Responders. Our affinity groups are open to all members of the Young Conaway community.
- Billable Hour Credit - Young Conaway offers all attorneys a 50 billable hour credit towards all pro bono representations, service in the community, or work to promote diversity efforts.
- Young Conaway Gives Back Program- Business services professionals are encouraged to volunteer at a charity of their choice or work together with firm colleagues on a team volunteer activity or pro bono activity.
- William F. Taylor Award and H. James Conaway, Jr. Award- These awards are presented annually by Young Conaway to an associate and a partner who have provided exemplary pro bono legal service to the community and the Bar over the past year. A contribution is given by the firm in the attorney's name to the charity of his or her choice.
Young Conaway evidences this commitment through its participation in recruiting programs, as well as our support of associations and organizations whose mission is to enhance diversity in the legal profession and the community. Young Conaway also supports equal justice and promotes racial equality as a member or sponsor of a number of state and national organizations.