Page 3 - ArentFox Schiff 2022 DEI Annual Report

AFS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Mission Statement

Message from our DEI Steering

Committee Co-Chairs As lawyers and legal professionals, we have a special role to play in helping end systemic
racism and other injustices and achieving justice for those who are harmed. At ArentFox
Schiff, diversity, equity, inclusion, and empowerment are part of our DNA.

2022 was a year of exciting changes and new challenges.
We are committed to creating a diverse workplace where every individual knows they are
On March 1, Arent Fox and Schiff Hardin merged and became ArentFox Schiff. Both legacy firms had long-standing commitments to valued, seen, heard, and a vital part of our firm.
diversity, equity, inclusion, and empowerment. We carried forward those traditions and adopted the best practices of each legacy firm
to our new combined firm culture. We concentrate our efforts in three specific areas:

At ArentFox Schiff, DEI is part of our DNA. We are proud that our DEI work has been integral to the firm’s integration efforts. 1. increasing diversity of all types within the firm and in the legal profession;
We brought together members from each legacy firm’s diversity committees to create the AFS Diversity Steering Committee. We
worked closely with our team of dedicated and full-time DEI business professionals to implement and manage the steps needed 2. intentionally building an environment at AFS where everyone feels welcome and where
to achieve our goals and achieve the results detailed in this report. We also successfully unified and expanded our Inclusion they can progress as their authentic selves; and
Networks, an integral part of building and maintaining a culture of belonging at the firm. Finally, we adopted a new DEI mission
statement that reflects our values as a firm and will serve
as the foundation for everything we do moving forward. 3. combatting racial and social injustice through AFSCRE projects and other pro bono work
and giving to organizations committed to anti-racism and social justice.
As we continue our efforts into the future, we are eager and
excited to amplify our DEI and empowerment work as a This mission statement is our foundational document and the basis for our diversity, equity,
combined firm. We thank everyone in the AFS community inclusion, and empowerment efforts. We know that we—and our society as a whole—have
who has contributed to our successes so far, and we encourage work to do to achieve our goals. We pledge to do our part and continue to learn about how
everyone to get involved in advancing our DEI mission. we can create a more just, diverse, and inclusive firm and profession.

We are better together.

Sailesh K. Patel M. Scott Peeler

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