We create opportunities for employees to be heard, and leadership listens and responds
“I am comfortable raising challenging questions with senior leadership and know that my ideas will be respected and heard.”
Assaph Aharoni, Principal
Diversity and inclusion is, and always has been, a priority.
“We understand and appreciate the value of differing backgrounds, opinions, and experiences. This diversity improves our creativity, provides greater perspective, and enables more thoughtful decisions.”
Charles Bates, Chairman and Partner
What diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging means to our employees
International colleagues bring perspectives that help us address challenging questions
"When working through complex questions, the diversity of ideas and experiences brought by our international colleagues helps us provide creative and thoughtful solutions."
David DeRamus, Partner
The Women’s Network offers a space to build and strengthen connections
"I love attending Women’s Network drop-in lunches because it allows me to have candid conversations and foster relationships across the firm at all levels."
Catherine Tang, Manager
Bates White fosters an environment where individuals feel safe, respected, and comfortable being themselves
“I am empowered to show up authentically, bring my full potential to work, and connect with our LGBTQ+ community through BWProud.”
Sam Sherman, Consultant II
How we are doing it
Bates White is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace through formal and informal programs. Our Diversity-Inclusion Council, International Network, and Women’s Network sponsor educational seminars to increase awareness of diversity issues, implement training programs to eliminate unconscious bias and increase cultural humility, and provide ways to build relationships and share cultural experiences.
BWProud
Bates White's newest employee network, BWProud, represents the interests and needs of LGBTQ+ employees, allies, and supporters by sponsoring educational programming, organizing community service programs, and serving as a resource for support and mentoring.
Diversity Inclusion Council
Our Diversity-Inclusion Council ensures that diversity and inclusion are supported in all aspects of firm operations.
Womens Network
The Women’s Network provides a platform to address issues of interest to staff broadly and women specifically.
International Network
This network offers a way for international colleagues to support each other and provide opportunities for all employees to understand international challenges and celebrate our diverse cultures.
Recent/upcoming celebrations
- January 2023BWProud Network launches!
The firm celebrates the launch of BWProud Network, Bates White’s newest DEI&B network for LGBTQ+ employees and allies.
- October 2022Fall Festival celebrates employee diversity
The International Network sponsored the firm's first fall festival, where we tasted delicious treats (traditional sweets and whiskey for Diwali, mooncakes for the Chinese mid-autumn festival, wine and strudel for Austrian Weinherbst), and heard personal stories.
- February 2023Navigating cultural and language diversity in the workplace
The International Network hosted a program on working through cultural and generational differences in the workplace.
- February 2023Black History Month trivia
D-I Council and BWCC hosted Black history trivia to support the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
- March 2023Confections and conversations
BWProud sponsored Confections and Conversations, where colleagues discussed topics related to identity. The snack was sponsored by ThreeFifty Bakery, a local LGBTQ+ owned business.
