Recognizing that certain groups are traditionally under-represented in the legal profession, and that GRSM seeks to recruit, include, mentor, promote, and retain members of those groups, the firm's Diversity Committee has established five affinity groups to further the goals of diversity and inclusion.
Each affinity group has its own established goals and initiatives. The groups meet regularly to network, socialize and provide mentoring opportunities to its members.
Membership is open to all attorneys who share the affinity or who are interested in participating in the group.
African American
The African American Affinity Group is dedicated to fostering the success of African American attorneys across the firm. The group provides a platform for African American attorneys to cultivate both professionally and personally. The group encourages its members to participate in and support local bar organizations that align with the group’s mission. The group also aims to actively engage in opportunities to recruit African American attorneys to increase representation in the firm.
Asian American Pacific Islander
The Asian American Affinity Group focuses on meaningful and sustainable mentoring, networking, and sponsorship of its members. The Group’s mission is to encourage the retention and advancement of Asian American attorneys in the firm. The group fosters informal mentoring relationships to support personal and professional development.
The group also aligns with external organizations with similar goals, both regional and nationally.
Hispanic/Latino
The Hispanic/Latino Affinity Group serves as a resource to further the networking, mentoring and career development of Hispanic/Latino attorneys. The group is a resource for Hispanic/Latino attorneys to engage with the Hispanic/Latino community. Its members are active participants in Hispanic Heritage Month events, and local and national bar organizations.
GRSM has been ranked No. 14 on the "Top 25 Law Firms for Hispanic-Americans” by MultiCultural Law Magazine.
Jewish
The Jewish Affinity Group’s goal is to provide a space for communication among our Jewish attorneys, and others who are interested, on issues we face in our practices and lives. The group’s mission is to be a visible presence to those who identify as Jewish or are interested in Jewish culture. Our goals are to network, share our stories among ourselves and the larger GRSM community, and build connections within the firm. We hope to create a platform where our shared cultural experiences can be discussed, recognized, respected, and blended with other groups within the firm and society.
LGBTQ+
The LGBTQ+ Affinity Group works to increase LGBTQ+ visibility and representation within the firm, and in the community at large. The group’s mission is to highlight and address the unique issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, and to provide support and mentoring opportunities to its members. The group also engages with regional and national LGBTQ+ organizations aligned with its mission.
Consecutively since 2016, GRSM has received a perfect score of 100 on the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation.
South Asian
The South Asian Affinity Group fosters relationships nationwide among the firm’s growing group of South Asian lawyers. The group encourages mentoring, networking, and cross-marketing while providing an open forum to discuss and promote expansion and advancement of our firm’s South Asian presence as well as the personal and professional advancement of each of our group’s members. The group collaborates with local, regional, and national organizations with a similar mission.