We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that attracts, engages, and retains the best possible talent.
The Committee serves as a strategic advisory board to firm management and the DE&I Department, playing a crucial role in shaping policies, practices, and initiatives that uphold our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It ensures the firm remains accountable and intentional in advancing these efforts.
Comprised of lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, the Committee fosters a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous progress, driving meaningful change across the firm.
Foley Hoag offers several Affinity Groups, open to all firm personnel, that play an active role in creating an inclusive culture and a sense of belonging.
These groups provide spaces for individuals to connect, learn, support one another, and advocate for change.
The key purposes of our Affinity Groups include:
Our founders built the firm on the principle of hiring the very best talent based solely on individual merit. Guided by this legacy, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse community of lawyers whose varied backgrounds, skills, and experiences enrich our culture and strengthen the quality of our work. In line with this long-standing commitment, we established the Charles J. Beard Fellowship to support first-year law students.
The fellowship is named in memory of Charles J. Beard, II, a trailblazer who became the first Black partner at a major Boston law firm during his tenure at Foley Hoag. He was renowned for his wisdom, wit, and intellect, and his belief in the transformative power of education to unlock personal growth and opportunity for young people.
Fellowship recipients will join Foley Hoag as paid summer associates, gaining invaluable professional experience. Additionally, they will receive a scholarship to help cover law school tuition, supporting their journey towards a successful legal career.
At Foley Hoag, we are proud to support and partner with organizations whose missions are to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across the nation.
Launched in 2022, our Thought Leadership Series is a hallmark initiative to showcase distinguished voices within and beyond our firm. This program brings together influential thought leaders with unique perspectives and critical insights at the nexus of diversity, equity, inclusion, and emerging legal and societal issues.
By hosting thought-provoking discussions, the series creates a welcoming forum for clients, students, industry partners, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire collaborative efforts that shape a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
For additional information, collaboration opportunities, or to join our distribution list, please contact DeShauna N. Lee, J.D.
The Foley Hoag Foundation emerged triumphantly from a historic pro bono victory for school desegregation in Boston, where its partners turned their awarded attorney fees into a catalyst for enduring social change.
Originally focused on fostering positive race relations among youth in Greater Boston, the Foundation has grown to support innovative and effective initiatives in Greater Boston, New York City, metropolitan Washington, D.C., and Denver, championing the cause against various forms of inequity.
To learn more about the Foundation's efforts and grant opportunities, click here.
We are committed to fostering a culture of mentorship that empowers attorneys and business services professionals by providing meaningful opportunities for growth, learning, and development.
Through tailored support and accessible resources, we ensure that our professionals have the guidance and connections needed to navigate their careers with confidence.
Our formal mentoring programs include:
