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Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Indiana University Maurer School of Law, 1995
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
I decided to enter the legal profession because a close friend who always wanted to be a lawyer and I spent an afternoon talking about what being a lawyer would mean and what assistance we could provide to others. I also was a college athlete and had the crazy idea of wanting to be a lawyer/agent.
What does “diversity, equity and inclusion” mean to you?
DEI means creating a space with intentionality that is welcoming to all. It means bringing together diversity in thought and experiences to make a better working place for all.
How did you get involved in DEI work, and why have you stuck with it?
To me, I was born in it. I was raised in an era where there have been many iterations of diversity and social awareness. DEI is a continuation of the work done in the ‘60s and ‘70s throughout our nation. It was natural for me to be involved in DEI initiatives at my firm. As we know, there is not that much diversity in the law, so it is a natural place for me to be engaged. I have stuck with it because it is vital that we continue the push for a more diverse bar and inclusive environment within our profession.
What would you say to someone who perceives “DEI” as a business “buzzword”?
I would say that they are not completely inaccurate. However, it is incumbent upon all of us to dispel that perception and make it an action word. It is imperative that we not just see it as a buzzword, but that we put into place with intentionality the true meaning and purpose of DEI, which is to, with action, include diversity of thought, beliefs, socioeconomic, gender, race, sexual preference, age, etc.
What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the legal profession since you began your career?
The biggest change has been the COVID-based remote work. This is a more recent event in my career but has completely changed the dynamics of the practice of law. It has hindered the natural learning process and collaboration at the workplace.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received (as a Black lawyer/lobbyist) was from a mentor who is of the majority race. He recruited me and told me to be the best lobbyist and lawyer I can be for all people — to not pigeonhole myself as a Black lobbyist, but to be a lobbyist for all.
How do you spend your free time?
I spend my free time working out, golfing, cooking and hanging out with friends and family.
What was your favorite — and least favorite — class in law school?
My favorite was Contracts. My least favorite was Real Property.
You became only the second Black partner at your firm in 2006. How did that impact you, both personally and in your work to promote diversity in the legal profession?
It was important for me to achieve being a partner at the firm. It was not only powerful for me and my own marketing, but it showed other diverse attorneys that partnership was attainable. It was a big deal.
You’ve worked with various groups, such as the Central Indiana Community Foundation, Faith in Action and the MLK Center, to promote DEI across Indianapolis. Do you have a proudest moment from those various advocacy efforts?
May favorite advocacy moment was working with John Gaidoo from Cummins Inc. and the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee to put together an action plan on police reform. Additionally, my proudest moment evolves every day as I see, albeit slowly, the increased diversity of the bar and how it will only grow and get better.
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