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:

  • Chambers USA Awards 2023, Diversity & Inclusion: Outstanding Contribution – Patricia Brown Holmes
  • Finalist Chambers USA Awards, Diversity & Inclusion:  Outstanding Firm (2023, 2021)
  • Vault's Top 150 Under 150 (2022 - 2023)
  • Chicago Committee for Minorities in Large Law Firms Delivering Diversity Award (2022)
  • Exelon’s DEI Honor Roll (2021 - 2022)
  • Law 360 Top Ranked Firm for Diverse Attorney Workforce Nationwide (2018 - 2022)
  • McDonald’s EMPOWER Award (2022)
  • Ranked Top 10 for Most Diverse Equity Partnership by Law360 (2020 - 2023)
  • Vault’s Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For # 6 in Chicago (2022)
  • Chicago Committee on Minorities in Law Large Law Firms Commitment & Investment Award (2021)
  • Corporate Counsel Women, Influence and Power in Law Awards, Managing Partner of the Year – Patricia Brown Holmes, RSHC (2021)
  • Crain’s Chicago Business’ Notable Businesses Championing Diversity & Inclusion (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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RSHC Partners Patricia Brown Holmes and Alan King Honored as Notable Black Executives

RSHC Managing Partner Patricia Brown Holmes and Labor & Employment Practice Chair Alan King are among the prominent business and community leaders honored by Crain’s Chicago Business this week as Notable Black Leaders and Executives. Crain’s editors selected 71 Chicagoans who have not only reached prominent places in their own professions but have, this year, “seized the moment” of reckoning over systemic racism following the murder of George Floyd and redoubled their efforts to contribute to the Black community through service and philanthropy.

In honoring Judge Holmes, the editors noted her management of RSHC, nationally recognized for its diversity, as well as her outstanding work on behalf of Fortune 50 and other high-profile clients and her leadership on the executive committee of the board of trustees for the University of Illinois System and the Illinois Judicial Conference COVID-19 Task Force. In another example of leadership and service to the legal profession, she led the March 2021 Civil Procedures session in the Illinois Judges Association and Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism’s educational series, addressing racial disparities and other equity issues in Illinois’ legal system. 

In their recognition of Alan King, the Crain’s team cited his recent accomplishments, including successfully defending a Fortune 100 retailer and an international airline in discrimination suits, as well as his long and distinguished career as a trial lawyer who handles high-stakes cases for businesses, a skilled mediator in employment-related disputes, and a respected voice on issues of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Outside of the law, he is board chair of the Children First Fund: The Chicago Public Schools Foundation, which helps raise funding for CPS initiatives and schools, and is a a producer of the Chosen Few Picnic, a music festival that’s a signature annual event in Chicago’s Black community.
 

Patricia Brown Holmes Crain's Profile

Alan King Crain's Profile