Winstead's Diversity Rankings Featured in American Lawyer

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Mar 08, 2010, 03:13 ET

DALLAS, March 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Winstead PC, a full service business law firm, received recognition for the success of its Diversity Program in the annual Diversity Scorecard, a survey that looks at the proportionate number of minority attorneys working in the top 200 law firms in the United States. The March 2010 American Lawyer prominently featured Winstead's successes in this arena, noting that it moved from 87 in 2008 to 66 in the 2009 Diversity Scorecard rankings. The firm was singled out among 14 other large firms that increased minority attorney percentages while losing attorney head count in 2009. Winstead's percentage of minority lawyers rose from 11.4 percent to 13.4 percent, making it one of the biggest improvements among law firms rated by American Lawyer in 2009.

"Winstead is proud of this recognition. We have invested our time and energy into building a serious diversity program that brings proven results and the American Lawyer coverage endorses our efforts," said CEO and Chairman Denis Braham.

In 2007, Winstead hired a diversity consultant and significantly increased its budget for firm diversity initiatives. The Diversity Committee included firm leaders and minority and non-minority attorneys at all seniority levels. Working with the diversity consultant, they developed programs that boosted the firm's ability to recruit and retain minority attorneys. In addition, Winstead successfully implemented a Diversity Scholarship Program, a Women's Alliance, and a program that tied practice group leaders' compensation to their ability to recruit minority lawyers.

According to former Diversity Committee Chair Tom Forestier, who now serves as managing shareholder of Winstead's Houston Office, "We didn't just talk about diversity, we committed ourselves to listening to the concerns of our minority attorneys and implementing changes to make our firm a more rewarding and supportive place to work for everyone." Braham and Forestier both feel that Winstead's improved rankings are a reflection of the commitment of the firm's Diversity Committee, leadership, and the attorneys and support staff who make Winstead a respectful and prosperous place to work for everyone.

"This is a proud moment for our firm and it is nice to receive this recognition, but we have been successful because we have never forgotten that we have a long way to go," said Braham. "We know that we will continue to be successful and that diversity will continue to be an essential ingredient of Winstead's core values, culture and success."

Winstead is among the largest business law firms in Texas. Winstead attorneys and consultants serve as trusted advisors to mid-market and large businesses, providing a core range of legal services that are critical to their operation and success. From its well-known reputation in real estate and financial services to its corporate and high-stakes litigation practice, Winstead delivers practical knowledge and responsive service. And it's all backed by a get-it-done attitude. Winstead has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; and Washington, D.C. For detailed information about Winstead, visit www.winstead.com.

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