Bass, Berry & Sims is committed to promoting the advancement and retention of women attorneys. The Women’s Initiative (WIN) acts as a forum for our attorneys, encouraging an open dialogue firm-wide while creating opportunities for professional and personal growth. WIN is led by five members who are committed to serving as role models, recruiting and retaining the best attorneys, and promoting professional and leadership development to ensure women are given the opportunity for leadership roles at Bass, Berry & Sims.
Programs and Activities
The Women’s Initiative actively participates in a number of events, programs and activities that encourage an open, supportive dialogue between members and the rest of the firm.
The firm’s mentorship program provides women associates the opportunity to talk one-on-one with members in the firm and build relationships with senior staff.
- Bass, Berry & Sims attorneys Sheaniva Murray, Brianna Powell and Neerja Razdan were recognized in the Lawyers of Color 2022 Hot List, which recognizes early- to mid-career attorneys excelling in the legal profession. Read more here.
- Our Women’s Initiative held its holiday event on December 11, 2019 bringing together our women attorneys from across the firm. At the event, we celebrated the 20 new women attorneys that joined our firm this past year! The attendees also enjoyed a keynote address by Becca Stevens; Becca is an author, a speaker, a priest, a social entrepreneur, and the founder and president of Thistle Farms. Thistle Farms helps women survivors get the help and love they need to turn their life around. Thistle Farms provides supportive housing, comprehensive healthcare and a sustainable income to help heal.
The December 2019 WIN event - In September 2018, the WIN group partnered with Lawyers’ Association for Women – Marion Griffin Chapter and other Nashville firms to sponsor a screening of “Balancing the Scales,” a documentary by Atlanta attorney Sharon Rowen exploring the history of women lawyers in the United States. The filmmaker attended the event and discussed the documentary and the filmmaking process.
- In July 2018, WIN hosted Mirdu Palikh of Life is Organized for a presentation on productivity in the workplace.
- In April 2018, WIN hosted a 50/50 Day luncheon. 50/50 Day is a worldwide initiative to get people engaged in conversation about working toward a gender-balanced world.
- Managing Partner Todd Rolapp participated in the Inaugural Women in Law Hackathon, created by the Diversity Lab. The Hackathon was one of the most innovative events launched with the purpose of advancing women in the legal profession. As a result of the Hackathon, Bass, Berry & Sims committed to pilot the On Track for Leadership initiative.
Leadership
The following women lead the Women’s Initiative Network:
Kathryn Walker
Shannon Wiley