Verizon’s IDEAward celebrates diversity and inclusion in the legal industry

Fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and diversity is a key priority at Verizon, both within the company and among our customers, suppliers, and business and community partners. Throughout my career at Verizon, I’ve seen the powerful results that accrue and compound when leaders and colleagues have courageous conversations and foster an inclusive environment. Embracing diversity and inclusion isn’t just “the right thing to do,” it’s also good business.

Today I’m excited to unveil the IDEAward, an annual recognition of our law firm partners who demonstrate excellence in promoting Inclusion, Diversity and Equity. The annual IDEAward (which grew from a simple idea within Verizon’s Law Firm and Supplier Diversity committee) aims to shine a spotlight on law firms with the best practices, approaches and effective programs that advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within their firms and the wider legal profession. I’m pleased to announce that the first recipient of the Verizon IDEAward is Jackson Lewis.

Verizon also recognizes three more Diversity Champions - law firms who share our commitment to promoting, fostering and leading diversity and inclusion efforts and programs within their firms and the legal industry as a whole: Morgan Lewis; McDermott Will & Emery, and Reed Smith.

IDEAward and Diversity Champion honorees are evaluated and chosen based on qualitative and quantitative data submitted by law firms in our Preferred Partnership Program, as well as feedback provided by Verizon professionals addressing the following criteria:

• Diverse staffing on Verizon matters

• Innovative origination credit/fee allocation system or program

• Creation of an inclusive environment allowing for firm-wide ownership and participation in diversity and inclusion goals

• Engagement of diverse third-party firms and vendors

• Overall attorney demographics at the firm, at each level, including representation of diverse attorneys in leadership positions.

We look forward to continuing our partnerships with these firms, and others that demonstrate their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Together we are making the legal profession a reflection of the communities we serve.

Learn more about Verizon’s commitments to Diversity & Inclusion across our business and supply chain.