Bass, Berry & Sims is committed to promoting the advancement and retention of women attorneys. The Women’s Initiative Network (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 Network 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 is honored to be named one of the “Best Law Firms for Women & Diversity” by Seramount for five consecutive years (2019-2023). The annual list recognizes firms that utilize best practices in recruiting, retaining, promoting, and developing women lawyers and lawyers from underrepresented groups, including people of color. In 2023, Bass, Berry & Sims was among 50 firms that earned spots on the list. Read more about the 2019 recognition, 2020 recognition, 2021 recognition and 2022 recognition and 2023 recognition on the links provided.
- 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 Network held a holiday event bringing together our women attorneys from across the firm. The attendees 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.
- WIN 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.
- WIN hosted Mirdu Palikh of Life is Organized for a presentation on productivity in the workplace.
- 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