Here at Gray Ice Higdon, we are dedicated to the advancement of the legal profession and our individual firm through the inclusion of attorneys and staff of all backgrounds. We recognize that our firm cannot function to its highest potential without the incorporation of ideas, views, and experiences from people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual identities, and walks of life.

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Additionally, we believe in fostering as much equity as possible within our firm by eliminating hurdles that employees face in their ability to perform their jobs. Gray Ice Higdon also recognizes that no matter how many positive changes are made, there is always room for growth and improvement. Our number one priority is providing excellent service to our clients, and we believe maintaining a diverse, safe, and positive space for our employees is an important component of delivering that level of service.

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To date, Gray Ice Higdon has implemented the following policies and programs, and has organized or encouraged our colleagues to participate in the following events, in furtherance of its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion:

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• DEI Committee (providing annual training and annual diversity report) 
• Flexible work schedule 
• Participation in the Google LSI program for underrepresented groups in the legal profession
• Parental Leave Policy recognizing all parents and families 
• Attendance at job fairs for diverse or underrepresented candidates
• Pride Month 5K participation and additional firm events
• Juneteenth Celebration Event 
• Black History Month Event 
• Educational communications and events for major holidays, special days, and months for underrepresented groups in the legal profession and greater society
• Firm-wide events for Hispanic/Latin Heritage Month, Black History Month, Native American History Month, Pride Month, and Women’s History Month
• CLE opportunities with diversity, equity, and inclusion subject matter 
• Book Club for colleagues and family members focusing on stories told from underrepresented and minority perspectives

Gray Ice Higdon has formed a DEI Committee in order to constantly identify ways to be inclusive and equitable for all employees and to provide a safe space for employees to discuss their concerns. Our DEI Committee members are a collaborative team of diverse backgrounds who constantly brainstorm ideas to better the firm.

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The Google Legal Summer Institute (GLSI) is a program for underrepresented 2L law students that matches students with law firms around the country. Students spend one week at Google’s headquarters in California, gaining valuable legal knowledge. The students are then sent to work with the law firm that they were matched with for the remainder of the summer.

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Gray Ice Higdon is proud to say that our attorneys have worked with three students from the GLSI, and we look forward to welcoming more.