Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP, is proud to announce its recognition as a finalist in the Diversity Initiative category for the 2024 Southeastern Legal Awards by ALM's Law.com and the Daily Report. This recognition underscores Swift Currie's unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the legal profession and the communities it serves. Swift Currie was selected by an ALM editorial team led by Michael Marciano, ALM regional editor, and  will be recognized with other finalists during a gala on June 20 at Flourish in Atlanta.. Winners in all categories will be announced at the gala as well 

"We are honored to be recognized as a finalist among firms who have made tangible efforts to make a positive impact within our industry as it relates to cultivating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for everyone," said Martine Cumbermack, Partner and Chief of Diversity at Swift Currie. "Swift Currie has diligently elevated our DEI commitment at all levels of our firm through amplified efforts in hiring, recruiting and marketing. By strategically integrating DEI initiatives with our workforce productivity, recruitment strategies and community engagement, we strive to foster a culture of inclusivity and progress."

The Southeastern Legal Awards celebrate excellence in the legal community in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, recognizing law firms, legal departments and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance and leadership in various aspects of the legal profession 

Swift Currie's dedication to DEI is deeply embedded in its core values. The firm actively promotes an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds are valued, respected and provided with equal opportunities to thrive. Swift Currie continually strives to enhance diversity representation within its ranks and the broader legal community through various initiatives and programs, including: 

• Hosting in-house workshops and training to help all lawyers develop and grow in their awareness and how they can show up as their authentic selves to grow their brands and sharpen their business development tools.

• Recruiting diverse, lateral attorneys and partners.

• Participating in on-campus interviews and the Southeastern Minority Job Fair to identify and recruit qualified diverse students.

• Retaining a DEI consultant to lead workshops addressing implicit biases and individual responsibilities to facilitate inclusiveness.

• Sponsoring the Leadership Institute for Women of Color Attorneys conference and the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys.

• Hosting an annual women’s event focused on exploring and celebrating the unique viewpoints and challenges faced by women attorneys, professionals and clients.

• Partnering with pipeline programs such as Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit School and the State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program.

• Launching an 18-month campaign in 2021 to earn Midsize Mansfield Certification Plus which recognizes law firms that consider diverse candidate pools — with at least 30% from underrepresented groups — for promotions and other advancement opportunities.