Page 9 - Social_Impact_Report

Leading by Example – Social Impact Report 2017-18

The Power

of Different Voices:

Principal Gordon Knox on

the Value of Diversity
and Inclusion Gordon Knox, Principal

ordon Knox, a Miles & both expanded and enhanced— team can help to more easily Occasionally, it is simply a case supports the firm’s strong Miles & Stockbridge named
Stockbridge principal and to the benefit of lawyer and and effectively find avenues of of nobody looking in the right dedication to community service Nancy Greene as its Chairman,
G co-chair of its Real Estate & client alike. “If you look around,” common ground with a new place. I love when we can swoop and involvement, and sees a clear the first woman in the firm’s
Transactional Finance Practice he says, “there’s not one right client, product or industry. in and make a connection that diversity component to these history to hold that post. Even
Group, has more than earned way of doing something. There benefits everyone—both the endeavors. One of the things though Knox, who co-led the
his reputation as a careful— is almost never just one solution. To this end, Miles & lawyer and the firm.” he’s been pleased to see most transactional practice beside
and caring—lawyer that leads When folks feel comfortable in Stockbridge continues to devote recently is how leadership has Greene, calls her ascension “a
by elevating his colleagues, a positive environment to bring ample resources to recruiting But Knox also understands approached a dialogue with the no-brainer for anybody that’s
helping raise the firm’s profile their full selves as individuals to diverse talent from, as Knox that, in 2018, recruitment and members of the firm’s Diversity worked for her, she’s that
along the way. His longstanding collaborate with other, equally notes, “across the spectrum.” retention are but one facet Committee, as well as its various good,” he does concede that it
commitment to diversity is borne empowered individuals, we can The firm employs creative of the industry’s overarching affinity groups. “They haven’t also sends a powerful diversity
not just in his belief in equality achieve great things.” In Knox’s searches to give opportunities to diversity issue. There is a broader come in and said, ‘Here’s what message to speak in actions,
and inclusion as a moral good, mind, a law firm is only as strong deserving legal minds that might mandate, he believes, for law we’re going to do.’ They’ve come rather than just words. “Voting in
but even more practically, as a as the people in it, and lifting otherwise go overlooked, and firms beyond simply what goes to the table and said, ‘We’re here the first-ever woman Chairman
sound business practice. each other helps all reach the has instituted its own version of on inside their walls. “We need to listen. How can we support you is a tangible endorsement of the
top and provide a better service. the “Rooney Rule,” requiring that to continue to step outside, into and the causes that mean the Miles & Stockbridge commitment
Diverse backgrounds and A team that includes women and at least one woman, minority or the world and on the streets of most to you?’ I think it has set a to diversity and inclusion. It’s
outlooks, Knox argues, provide minorities can solve problems LGBT lawyer be interviewed for our communities,” he says. “We very positive tone.” another step forward; as excited
broader, richer insights and where a more homogenous each open position. “There are need to maintain our exposure to as I am about who we are today,
interpretations of complex group might have blind spots good people out there—good the challenges and opportunities The composition of firm I’m even more excited about
challenges. When different voices that could end up costing clients, lawyers and future leaders— that our diverse neighbors, leadership itself has helped where we are going and who
are empowered, perspective is for instance. And a diverse that sometimes get passed over. friends and clients face.” Knox fortify that tone: In February, we’ll be tomorrow.” ■

7 8