Diversity & Inclusion: Lead by Example

Lead by Example

Morris James is a respected leader within the legal and businesses communities and, therefore, the firm positions itself as a driver of change. The firm works with clients, bar associations and schools to foster a stronger environment for D&I.

Tactics

• Publish firm’s D&I efforts and advancement to encourage other law firms and businesses to review and improve initiatives, policies, and procedures.
• Partner with clients and other law firms to advance the issue within the community.
• Support the DSBA in its DEI efforts.
• Invest in education and students to promote the legal industry as a career path for the next generation.

Progress

• Delaware State Bar Association

  • Wilson Gualpa Discusses Diversity and Inclusion in the Delaware Bar

  • Multicultural Section of the Delaware State Bar Association Elects Wilson Gualpa as Chair of the Multicultural Judges and Lawyers Section 

• Delaware State University: To commemorate the firm's 90th anniversary, Morris James has chosen to partner with the Delaware State University's (DSU) Law Studies, Bachelor of Arts program, by gifting $10,000 to underwrite Law School Admission Test (LSAT) fees and prep course tuition. Along with this monetary gift, Morris James will offer mentorship and social engagement opportunities to DSU Law Studies students throughout their collegiate career. Read more. 
• Culture Restoration Project: Morris James LLP proudly donated $10,000 to the Culture Restoration Project, an organization dedicated to developing critical thinking skills and social understanding of youth in Wilmington through culturally appropriate and relevant programming. The donation emphasizes the law firm’s statement on racial injustice issued after the brutal killing of George Floyd. Read more.
• Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware: Several Morris James attorneys have leadership roles on the Boys and Girls Clubs: Lewis Lazarus serves on the statewide Board and its Executive Committee; Tyler O’Connell serves on the Board of Trustees; Mike Owens is a member of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Wilmington Unit Board.

  • Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware Recognizes Two Morris James Partners

• The Links, Incorporated: This international, non-profit service organization consists of nearly 14,000 professional women of color. The Chapter has spent over 65 years providing services to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Wilmington community. Patricia A. Winston is an officer of the Wilmington, Delaware chapter.
• Minority Corporate Counsel Association: An advocate for the expanded hiring, retention, and promotion of minority attorneys in corporate law departments and the law firms that serve them.