DIVERSITY IN LAW 2023: Charise R. Frazier

Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman P.C.
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 2001

Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?

As a child, I was introduced to concept of being a lawyer watching “Perry Mason” with my father. In elementary school I decided I was going to be a lawyer, and from that point forward I begin to learn as much as I could about the field of law. In junior high and high school, I had the opportunity to participate in number of legal programs that further confirmed that being in a position to advocate and help others was a profession I would enjoy. Twenty-two years later I am still enjoying the practice of law.

What does “diversity, equity and inclusion” mean to you?

Creating an environment where everyone has a sense of belonging and the ability and opportunity to thrive. Differences are welcomed and respected and each person can be their authentic self.

How did you get involved in DEI work, and why have you stuck with it?

There was very little diversity at the undergraduate university I attended. My sophomore year I decided to run and won the seat as the diversity representative on the Student Body Government. I worked closely with our Office of Multicultural Affairs and utilized my $50,000 budget to bring diversity to the university from an educational and social perspective. The work was challenging then and continues to be; it can also be frustrating at times, especially when you see little progress. I continue to do the work because there is still a lot of work to do. While progress in the legal field has been slow, it is very meaningful for me to see the changes that have taken place.

What would you say to someone who perceives “DEI” as a business “buzzword”?

DEI is about caring for people and creating an environment where everyone and their differences are respected and each person feels as if they belong. I hope that all attorneys would want to create this type of environment within the legal profession.

What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the legal profession since you began your career?

More attorneys of color in leadership roles within the profession such as judges, general counsel, attorneys general, partners at law firms, etc.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Be watchful, prayerful and humble in everything you do.

How do you spend your free time?

With family, traveling, working out and enjoying quiet time alone.

What was your favorite — and least favorite — class in law school?

Favorite: Business Association. Least favorite: Criminal Procedure.

Tell us about your work with the Delta GEMS program.

The Delta GEMS program is a college and career readiness program for African American young ladies in grades 9-12. The goals for Delta GEMS are:

• To instill the need to excel academically.

• To provide tools that enable girls to sharpen and enhance their skills to achieve high levels of academic success.

• To assist girls in proper goal-setting and planning for their futures in high school and beyond.

• To create compassionate, caring and community-minded young women by actively involving them in service learning and community service opportunities.

Through the Indianapolis chapter of my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., I served as the chair of the Delta GEMS program for over six years and served as a committee member both prior to being the chair and after. I help develop programming and serve as a mentor and role model for the young ladies in the program.

How do you combine your work in health law with DEI efforts?

Currently I serve as the VP of DEI for the firm, and in that role I continuously have the opportunity to demonstrate how the practice of health law and DEI are connected to the clients we serve, who are all in the health care industry.

Being able to provide our clients with innovative diverse legal solutions helps our clients better serve the diverse population of patients in their service areas.

Read more Diversity in Law profiles.