Inclusivity Statement

Our Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

Here at Gray Ice Higdon, we are dedicated to the advancement of the legal profession and our individual firm through the incorporation 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.

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 job. Gray Ice Higdon 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 service to our clients.

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 creating an environment where all team members are included and belong:

Inclusion & Belonging 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
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, 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 viewpoints

The Inclusivity and Belonging Committee

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

Top Row from left to right: Jennifer Barbour, Katherine Ison, Jacob Rooks

Bottom Row from left to right: Shreyash Sharma, Elizabeth Threlkeld

External Partnerships and Networking

Google Legal Summer Institute

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.

Gray Ice Higdon is proud to say that it has welcomed three students over the past two summers (2022 and 2023) to join our firm as summer associates.

Photos from Pride 5K 2024

Participation in Panels

-Seneca High School: Patent Paralegal, Jacob Rooks, participated in a panel for prelaw students.

Our Groups

Women in the Law Group

Regular happy hours and event with the women attorneys of the firm, as well as firm alumni, to foster a support network and encourage mentorship.

Associate Group

The associates of GIH have regular group outings to foster a peer community. The associates also hold an annual vote to appoint an associate representative, who, in addition to planning events, brings any concerns or questions from the associates to the management committee.