The power of diversity is the power of collective wisdom.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diverse and inclusive teams are better teams. Better teams deliver better results. At RSHC “diversity” “equity” and “inclusion” are not simply buzzwords, but the essence of our law firm – not just because it is right, not just because a law firm should reflect those we serve, but because of the fundamental truth that the more diverse, equitable, and inclusive our teams, the better the solutions and the greater the value that we produce for our clients.

We believe actions speak louder than words. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is real and demonstrable – but don’t just take our word for it, here’s a list of some of the recent recognitions we have received as a result of “walking the walk” on DEI:

Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” in multiple different categories (2024)
Chambers USA Awards 2023, Diversity & Inclusion: Outstanding Contribution – Patricia Brown Holmes
Finalist Chambers USA Awards, Diversity & Inclusion: Outstanding Firm (2023, 2021)
BTI Client Service A-Team Top 100 List (2023)
Commitment & Investment Award from The Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms (2023, 2022, 2021)
Just the Beginning – A Pipeline Organization Diversity Partnership Award (2023)
Top 100 Social Impact Leader by Law360 (2023)
Inaugural Top Legal Employers in Leadership – DEI Award from Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (2023)
Vault’s Top 150 Under 150 (2021-2023)
Delivering Diversity Award from The Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms (2022)
Midsize Client Service Masters by BTI Consulting (2022)
Exelon’s DEI Honor Roll (2022, 2021)
Pro Bono Leader by Law360 (2022)
McDonald’s EMPOWER Award (2022)
U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” in multiple different categories (2021)
Top Law Firm for Client Service During the Pandemic by BTI Consulting Group (2021)
Corporate Counsel Women, Influence and Power in Law Awards, Managing Partner of the Year – Patricia Brown Holmes (2021)
National “Midsize Heavyweight” by BTI Consulting (2020)
Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Businesses Championing Diversity & Inclusion (2020)
Vault’s Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For, top 25 in multiple categories, including two #1 rankings (2020)

We strive to be an equitable and inclusive workplace for all of our people, where each contributor is recognized, shows up authentically, and feels the investment of the organization in the individual's future. RSHC is a member of the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance.

For us, diversity, equity and inclusion begin with the names on our door, extends through our partnership and associate ranks, and informs our recruiting, staffing, and vendor choices. We believe that lawyers from different backgrounds provide a better perspective on the problems that our clients face. We are committed to serving our clients with superb lawyers who offer a variety of cultural, racial, and gender perspectives. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, nurturing, and advancing lawyers from all groups and walks of life and intend to maintain and expand our diverse and inclusive culture.

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On April 19, 2016, Eddie Bolden walked out of jail, exonerated and a free man for the first time in 22 years, thanks to the efforts of private investigator Susan Carlson and a legal team led by RSHC founding partner Ron Safer.

Susan Carlson became convinced that Eddie Bolden had been wrongfully convicted of murder, so she tracked down and interviewed alibi witnesses who were not called during his trial. Then she approached Ron Safer, a former federal prosecutor, and asked him to take the case after several other lawyers turned her down.

"At first, I told her that I had a full plate and was too busy to take it on,'" Safer admitted, “She was completely convinced that he was innocent and told me that if I had any doubt in my mind after I read the trial transcripts, I could say no. But after reviewing them, I agreed with her and took the case.”

Ms. Carlson, who became a private investigator at age 51, passed away due to complications from asthma, at age 63, three years before she was able to witness the rewards of her tireless efforts on Bolden’s behalf.

Immediately after he was released, Bolden, who had been sentenced to life in prison, thanked Carlson and her investigative partner, William Sheehan, as well as Safer and his other lawyers for working so hard to see that justice was done. Susan Carlson’s son David, quoted in a Chicago Tribune story about the case, challenged others to follow their example by asking, "What can we do for people who are the next Eddie Bolden?"

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