Appointment bolsters the firm’s successful diversity and inclusion initiatives
Ulmer & Berne LLP is pleased to announce that Timothy J. Downing has been appointed as the firm’s first Chief Diversity Officer. His appointment to this role provides added momentum to Ulmer’s successful diversity and inclusion initiatives and reflects the firm’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the firm.
“Diversity and inclusion are core values at Ulmer, and we are confident that Tim, in the position of Chief Diversity Officer, will help us build on our achievements in making diversity and inclusion tangible, measurable components of our daily life,” said Scott P. Kadish, Managing Partner. “We are proud to celebrate our differences, which expose us to new ways of thinking, encourage growth, and enable us to see complex issues from every angle.”
Serving in his new capacity, Downing will be charged with increasing Ulmer’s internal and external diversity and inclusion programming and community involvement, and overseeing its implementation and execution. He will also work closely with Inajo Davis Chappell, Partner and Chair of Ulmer’s respected Diversity & Inclusion Committee, in continuing to develop initiatives that champion diversity and carrying out the firm’s objectives to ensure Ulmer remains an inclusive place for all. Chappell expressed excitement about the appointment, stating “I look forward to Tim taking on this new administrative role, as it will allow us to accelerate and deepen the impact of our diversity and inclusion work.”
Downing is a longtime champion of diversity and inclusion. He has served in several leadership roles with the Human Rights Campaign, and currently serves as Co-Chair of HRC’s national Emeritus Council. As a nationally recognized litigator, Downing will continue to focus his practice on complex business and employment and labor litigation, helping companies develop and implement policies to attract the best and brightest employees, protect their confidential information, and resolve conflicts with employees based on claims of discrimination.
Ulmer believes true diversity and inclusion should extend beyond the walls of the firm. In addition to recruiting, retaining, and advancing attorneys from diverse backgrounds, Ulmer puts its commitment into action by supporting charities and events that serve as a platform for diverse people and ideas, using diverse vendor programs, and engaging in community outreach through a network of diverse organizations. To learn more about Ulmer’s Diversity & Inclusion program, please visit www.ulmer.com/diversity-inclusion/.