The Houston Bar Association presented its Diversity Awards to recognize outstanding law firms and individuals for their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the legal profession and greater Houston community, during the HBA’s 24th Annual Summer Associate Luncheon on July 21 in Houston. The recipients of the 2022 HBA Diversity Awards are Frost Brown Todd; Greenberg Traurig; Roland Garcia, shareholder in Greenberg Traurig; and Marcus Esther, of the Law Office of Marcus Esther.
“We are truly honored to be recognized by the HBA for Frost Brown Todd’s commitment and actions to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Chris Johnson, chief diversity officer of Frost Brown Todd, in a press release. “This award helps to affirm our progress on this long journey and serves as a reminder that there is always more work to do.”
As a firm, Greenberg Traurig said it has implemented several DEI initiatives, including its Diverse Law Student Recruitment Pilot Initiative in 2018 to develop meaningful and long-term relationships with diverse talent. “It’s a great honor for our office to be recognized by the Houston Bar Association and we are immensely proud of Roland Garcia for his individual recognition. Roland’s work to advance diversity in all aspects of his life is both admirable and inspirational,” said Shari L. Heyen, managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig Houston, in a press release.
Criminal defense attorney Esther’s DEI efforts include his work and leadership with several Houston organizations, including his service as vice president for the Houston Area Urban Young Professionals. “I am honored to receive this award! Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are extremely important in the movement towards true justice,” Esther said in a press release. “Passionate attorneys are needed to advocate for the underrepresented and underprivileged.”
The HBA Diversity Awards were created in 2019 to recognize outstanding achievements and dedication by law offices, legal departments, and individuals in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Recipients are chosen by a committee made up of representatives from the HBA’s Gender Fairness Committee; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee; and LGBTQ+ Committee.
For more information on the HBA, go to hba.org.