The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee has identified these goals to achieve the Firm’s vision for diversity and inclusion:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A message from our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee:
Phillips Murrah consistently strengthens our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both internally and in the legal community. Our efforts demonstrate a consistency of purpose and continued growth in these areas while providing real opportunities for attorneys to lead and flourish in their legal careers and in their lives. Our Firm is also dedicated to facilitating and acknowledging positive change in our community, with a goal of supporting a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society.
Our Vision
It is our goal to engage diverse and inclusive teams, leading to more innovation, engagement, and creativity in our work. Phillips Murrah has created a working environment that is open to all needs, perspectives, contributions, experiences, and backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or national origin. Through diversity, we can achieve sustainable and long-term success not only for our clients, but also for our community.
Our Strategic Objectives
Phillips Murrah has a strategic plan to achieve the goal of Firm-wide diversity and inclusion. This strategic plan is ongoing and led by the organization and leadership of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
- Create Diversity Through Recruitment
We continuously strive to increase diversity by seeking out and hiring talented and diverse attorneys and personnel.
- Support a Diverse Environment Through Inclusion
We foster an inclusive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. We also strive to increase awareness and wisdom through inclusive leadership training and promoting work-life balance flexibility. We aim for transparent and positive communication.
- Diversity and Inclusion in the Community
We have developed, implemented, and participate in programs that foster diversity and inclusion in the community.
Mansfield Rule Certification
Phillips Murrah is pleased to achieve this significant milestone once again. Our Firm will continue to build teams that reflect the diversity of our clients and community while providing strategic, innovative counsel and exceptional service. Phillips Murrah understands that with diverse leadership comes more inclusive and equitable decisions that reflect the needs of our workforce and industry and benefit our clients and community.
“Phillips Murrah is honored to be recognized for its commitment to offer all attorneys opportunities for career advancement and professional growth,” said Dawn Rahme, Phillips Murrah’s managing director, and Eric Davis, leader of the Firm’s DEI Committee, in a joint statement.
Phillips Murrah Diversity Fellowship Program
Providing Mentorship and Opportunity
Phillips Murrah initiated our Diversity Fellowship Program in January 2021 as a part of the Firm’s efforts to foster diversity and inclusion within the Firm and in the legal community at large. The Program exposes students to the everyday practice of law, cultivates relationships, and provides mentorship and opportunities to enhance legal skills. Participating students gain legal experience while working at Phillips Murrah’s Oklahoma City office. In the video below, Fellows from 2023 discuss their experiences while participating in the Phillips Murrah Fellowship Program.
Diversity in Action
To commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2021, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee invited members of the Phillips Murrah team who have Native American tribal affiliations to participate in a video interview to discuss what their ancestry and heritage mean to them. Interviewees are Phillips Murrah Directors G. Calvin Sharpe, Kathy Terry, and Eric Davis; Associate Attorneys Phoebe Mitchell and Molly Tipton; and Paralegal Donna Anderson.
Law360 Glass Ceiling Report
Each year, Law360 surveys law firms in various size categories and ranks their percentage of female attorneys and female equity partners. They publish their findings in the Glass Ceiling Report.
Phillips Murrah is proud to be recognized again by Law360 as a “Ceiling Smasher” law firm for the fourth year in their 2024 Glass Ceiling Report: Women In Law report. Firms recognized as Ceiling Smashers are characterized by Law360 as forging a path to progress and demonstrating the potential and possibilities of law firm efforts to work towards parity.
Currently, women make up 52.6% of the Firm's equity Shareholders.
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ALFA International Member
Phillips Murrah is a member of ALFA International, the global legal network. With 145 member firms across the globe (80 in the United States), ALFA International is the premier global network of independent law firms whose success is driven by broad, deep, local relationships all over the world. Click HERE for an informational video about ALFA International, or visit www.alfainternational.com to learn more.