Fairness. Equal Opportunity. Responsibility.
Guided by strong commitments to these three principles, Bass, Berry & Sims is building and sustaining a firm and culture that is inclusive and diverse.
We believe embracing diversity strengthens who we are as a firm and enhances the service we provide to our clients and the communities where we live and work. Led by this conviction, we are willing to confront challenges that are unique to our firm and within the larger legal industry — and go beyond surface-level methods to create lasting change.
Our managing partner and Executive Committee members are leading the charge, making real investments and communicating a clear vision for progress. These efforts have included:
- Hiring a full-time director of diversity & inclusion.
- Adopting a diversity & inclusion strategic plan.
- Actively participating in recruiting efforts to attract diverse talent.
- Creating accountability to ensure equal opportunity for advancement.
We recognize diversity is more than a “right now” challenge. Real change requires a long-term commitment. That’s why we have sought out partnerships with education and community organizations to help create early opportunities to develop young people of all backgrounds and encourage them to consider a career path in law, and we support members of our firm who are active in such programs. Our commitment includes a Diversity Leadership Endowment at the University of Tennessee College of Law, a Diversity Scholarship Program in partnership with the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, and two Bass, Berry & Sims scholarships at Fisk University.
Bass, Berry & Sims is united and committed to becoming a more diverse firm of top-tier attorneys and professionals who represent the best in their fields, offer different perspectives, and help to strengthen the fabric of our communities and our workplace.