Diversity

An Unwavering Commitment

Diversity, equality and inclusion are essential to our role as one of Florida’s leading law firms. Our leadership fully understands these are necessary components of an exceptional culture that enable our firm to provide an unparalleled level of client service. We recognize that the definition of diversity goes beyond the traditional measures of gender and ethnicity to include an appreciation for differences in thought, style, capabilities and leadership.

Our commitment to workplace diversity, equality and inclusion is driven by leadership and supported by our Diversity Committee, recruiting and training development efforts, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy, as well as participation in community activities that promote inclusion and belonging. The firm is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, covered veteran status or other factors prohibited by law. Our attorneys and business professionals reflect Florida’s distinctive, diverse and rich culture. For Gunster, this is not just a policy or a statement, it is a foundational principle reflected in how we treat each other and all of those we interact with.

Our focus on diversity, equality and inclusion begins at the earliest stage of the recruitment process. We are actively involved in and host recruiting and mentoring events, in Florida and across the southeast, that allow us to meet candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our comprehensive attorney recruiting and mentoring efforts reflect our commitment to fostering a vibrant and diverse workplace where everyone can thrive.

We believe our culture of inclusion creates a sense of belonging and greater job satisfaction. Gunster has a high level of employee retention, in part because we are intentional about cultivating an inclusive work environment where everyone has access to fulfilling and challenging work, substantive and developmental feedback, mentorship, career guidance and healthy work-life integration. We recognize that the continuity of service and preservation of institutional knowledge provide our clients with a distinct advantage.

Gunster is also a highly visible and active participant in the communities in which our employees live and work, providing additional support for our diversity, equality and inclusion efforts. We are committed to creating and maintaining a law firm that reflects the state and communities we serve.

Gunster is committed to the professional growth of all of our employees, including our women lawyers and other groups traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Through both the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Committee and our Women’s Leadership Forum, the firm invests in talent initiatives that foster diversity in leadership positions within the firm and beyond. Both groups are led by the firm’s shareholders and include team members from a wide variety of backgrounds who focus on recruiting, retention, equitable work allocation on key client legal work, leadership training and ensuring that our marketing outreach efforts include all sectors of the communities in which we do business.

Each year, the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Committee and the Women’s Leadership Forum undertake a rigorous review of strategic priorities, programs, tactics and initiatives, as well as recommend any changes that may be necessary to fulfill Gunster’s commitment to diversity.

Gunster’s Diversity Mission Statement

Gunster’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee develops and implements strategies designed to ensure the law firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is met. The Committee is led by firm shareholders and includes team members of many different backgrounds.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee fulfills its mission by focusing on five strategic priorities:

Recruiting and retaining skilled professionals of different backgrounds and without regard to race, religion, age, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, medical conditions or disabilities, and marital, veteran or family status
Ensuring diverse personnel are included on key client legal work, initiatives and projects, with client access opportunities provided to all individuals consistent with his or her skill and experience level
Overseeing and administering the firm’s mentor program in which our newer professionals are placed with a more experienced member of our firm who can assist him or her with achieving professional excellence and successfully realizing his or her desired career path within the firm
Diversity training and education for all members of the Gunster team to prepare to work with others on the team, as well as to serve our diverse client base
Ensuring the firm’s marketing and outreach efforts reach all sectors of the communities in which we do business