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 (2024, 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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Client Alert – 7th Circuit Rules Sexual Orientation is a Title VII Protected Category

On April 4, 2017, the Seventh Circuit issued a monumental opinion (Hively v. Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana), holding that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. It is the first [and only] federal circuit court decision of its kind; and comes only one week after the Second Circuit ruled that sexual orientation is not a protected category under Title VII..

For employers with operations within the Seventh Circuit, the ruling suggests the need for a hurried review of employment handbooks, practices, policies, and procedures to ensure Title VII compliance. Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP’s employment team has extensive experience reviewing, analyzing, drafting, and revising employment-related policies for compliance with applicable law.

To Read The Full Article About This Decision, Please Click Here.