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:

  • 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 (2021 - 2022)
  • 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)
  • Finalist for Chambers Outstanding Firm for D&I Award (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.

Diversity Collage

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RSHC Welcomes Commercial Real Estate Pro LaVon Johns to Lead Transactions Group

Commercial real estate lawyer LaVon M. Johns joins the firm’s business transactions practice as a partner and will lead the group in advising clients on a range of corporate and transactional matters.

Johns is an industry luminary best regarded for having a highly respected practice advising clients in complex commercial real estate and finance transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, and public/private partnership transactions. She is known for having served as lead real estate counsel to the City of Chicago in the privatization of assets, including Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge and Chicago Parking Garage System.

Beyond traditional transactional work, Johns is well versed in handling governmental incentive-based transactions using vehicles such as tax credits, TIF, LIHTC, and NMTC to achieve her clients’ goals. In addition to representing Fortune 100 companies, governmental agencies, and entrepreneurs, her practice also includes advising nonprofit and faith-based organizations on issues relating to federal and state law governance and compliance and crisis management issues.

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