Diversity - Inclusion | Cranfill Sumner

Our Long-Term Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Cranfill Sumner is committed to a work environment that welcomes, nurtures, and honors the contributions of individuals who bring a variety of talents, experiences, and backgrounds to our firm. We believe we work best with clients, judges, juries, other attorneys, and each other when we reflect the richness of our community and world.

At Cranfill Sumner, we understand diversity is a long-term commitment, not a short-term goal. We acknowledge that improving our diversity is an ongoing and ever-evolving process. The following are some of the ways Cranfill Sumner is working to improve diversity and inclusion:

Supporting an active Diversity, Inclusion & Belongingness Committee who meet regularly to assess our diversity, inclusion and belongingness efforts. The committee is made up of partners, associates, and staff from our four offices.
Recruiting attorneys and staff by identifying and participating in programs in the legal community designed to increase opportunities to hire from broad and diverse hiring pools. Among the many and broad recruiting efforts, the firm participates annually in the North Carolina Bar Association’s Minorities in the Profession Committee’s Summer Associate Program, and includes historically black colleges and universities in its recruiting efforts.
Committing to be an outstanding place for women to practice law. Women fully participate in all aspects of firm leadership.
Training and mentoring attorneys and staff, providing feedback and opportunities for advancement and encouraging an environment of inclusivity and sensitivity.
Committing to wellness, flexibility, and innovation in the workplace as a means in which to foster excellence in all we do.
Supporting community engagement through volunteer activities, charitable giving, and pro bono projects, including sponsoring a table annually at the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Dinner in Charlotte, NC, partnering with the North Carolina Bar Foundation, and providing volunteer hours to all Employees.
Encouraging our Diversity, Inclusion & Belongingness Committee to explore and develop internal workshops and discussions that align with our long-term commitment to diversity, inclusion and belongingness.

Cranfill Sumner recognizes that our firm’s continued success depends upon our ability to recruit, hire, train, mentor, and retain excellent employees. We understand that diversity, inclusion and belongingness strengthens the quality of the services we provide to our clients. We are dedicated to inclusion in the workplace and strive to make sure the firm is a place where all employees feel welcomed and respected.

The Cranfill Sumner Distinguished Leader in Diversity and Inclusion Award

The Cranfill Sumner Distinguished Leader in Diversity and Inclusion Award was created in 2020 and is awarded annually to an individual who embodies the firm’s commitment to expanding diversity and inclusion within the firm’s offices and the surrounding communities. Our honorees for this award are listed below:

In Our Words

There is no “I” in team. I’m constantly amazed at the sacrifices people are willing to make to get the job done. That goes for everyone from our part-time couriers to the Firm’s managing partner.

Benton Toups, Partner

Quite simply put, Cranfill Sumner is home. This is where I have learned the knowledge, skills, and confidence to serve the legal community, and this is where I get the amazing opportunity to contribute to our Women’s Initiative and to encourage the legal growth and professional development of our Associates and my entire team.

Jennifer Morris Jones, Partner/Management Committee Member

I love the various challenges we face and overcome as a team. It is a fantastic demonstration of our diversity and ability to work together to overcome obstacles for the common good of each other and the organization.

Sam LaRoche, Information Technology Director