Belonging and Inclusion

Carrie Johnson

Welcome

Thank you for visiting our page where we describe Eastman & Smith's Belonging and Inclusion efforts, including its affinity group the Women of Eastman & Smith (WES). 

Belonging and Inclusion Mission Statement

Eastman & Smith is committed to embracing and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion for all people within our Firm and throughout the legal profession. We believe diverse perspectives help us to provide the highest quality legal services to our clients. We strive to cultivate a respectful, supportive workplace where all people feel valued for who they are.

Community Programs and Partnerships

Eastman & Smith promotes the inclusion of all people through its involvement with community and professional organizations, such as  HerHub, Columbus Schools Special Olympics and affinity groups at the University of Toledo College of Law and other area law schools.  The Firm has long standing involvement with programs and organizations like the following. 

OFIC facilitates a connection between students in need and donors so students of varied economic backgrounds have a chance to complete their educations.  Eastman & Smith is honored to be an 11 year scholarship donor to students who plan to enroll in law school upon completion of their undergraduate degrees.

TWBA's mission includes continuing legal education, legislation affecting women, career opportunities and networking for female attorneys and their allies and maintain the legal profession's honor and integrity.  One of TWBA's past presidents is an attorney with our Firm.

Providing academic resources, networking opportunities, and guidance to students of color and their allies is the purpose of the Black Law Students Association.  Eastman & Smith has taken an active role with BLSA members, acting as mentors and hosting networking events for black students and their allies.

News & Events

For recent Belonging and Inclusion news and events involving Eastman & Smith, please visit our News & Events page.  You can find substantive legal articles on Belonging and Inclusion issues in the Articles section of our web site.

Women of Eastman & Smith

WES Mission Statement

Founded in 2008, Women of Eastman & Smith is an affinity group dedicated to the attraction and retention of talented women attorneys, fostering successful client relationships and promoting leadership within the Firm and community.  Members of WES have held leadership positions in the Firm and other organizations, been quoted in the media and received honors and awards. Additionally, WES has received national news coverage in The National Law Review.

Community Programs and Partnerships

Keeping with the Firm's Belonging & Inclusion mission of promoting the inclusion of all people through involvement with community and professional organizations, WES has lent its support to the following groups.

Providing parents with the tools and skills they need to help their children's education and development is the purpose of Baby University.  "Beating poverty together" through these efforts is BabyU's focus.  WES held several book drives in support of BabyU.

The Cocoon is an organization who provides a safe location for survivors of sexual and domestic violence and their children and pets.   Services provided encompass economic empowerment, transportation, support groups and programs for children.  WES was honored to assist the shelter by collecting for their Holiday Assistance Program.

Connecting women owned businesses with clients and contacts and developing support systems is primary emphasis of HerHub.  WES held a networking event for HerHub members.

Shoes That Fit provides children in need with new shoes in an effort to improve their lives.  In support of that goal, WES held several shoe drives. 

News & Events

For recent WES news and events, please visit our News & Events page.