Our Responsibility: A Statement from Jackson Lewis Co-Chairs William Anthony and Kevin Lauri

Our country is in pain; our Jackson Lewis family is as well. We have been through a tumultuous few months. The pain we have felt as a nation from the destruction of our health and economy by the COVID-19 health crisis is only exacerbated by the senseless killing of individuals in the Black community and the substantial breakdown in justice in their wake. We are a law firm of 950 attorneys who have each sworn to uphold the rule of law in all circumstances. We work side by side with nearly 800 other professionals who believe in and support that oath. It is our calling to work in an area of law which allows us to seek justice in the workplace by helping companies of all sizes and in all industries to ensure compliance and equality for all workers. It is through this lens that we are deeply troubled by what is happening in our nation’s streets, many of which our JL family call home.

 

Jackson Lewis has always been an organization that embraces and supports every identity that makes up our firm. We are proud to have a workforce that includes different races, ethnicities, backgrounds and perspectives. Today and every day, we stand with our Black colleagues. We reject racism and intolerance, and pledge to promote more education, listening and reflection within our firm to ensure we are actively supporting every member of the Jackson Lewis family.

 

During a time where many members of our community are feeling anxious and traumatized by recent events, it is okay not to feel okay. We must listen to each other and not shy away from uncomfortable conversations. We embrace our responsibility to make sure everyone at our firm — including our Black attorneys and staff — feels supported every day. We have always believed inclusion and communication are the keys to ensuring every voice has the opportunity to be heard.

 

However, it doesn’t stop there. Action needs to be at the center of how we move forward. Both as a firm and as a family, Jackson Lewis will do our part to continue to combat racism and intolerance and treat each other with fairness and compassion. We are in this together, and we expect everyone in the Jackson Lewis community to do their part. We are exploring different forums to have voices heard, and make actions matter especially when we are physically apart.

 

We are looking for the stars to emerge from this darkness and help our firm and our clients deal with the issues our nation is bringing into workplaces across America. Let’s be part of the solution at all times.

 

Best,

 

William J. Anthony and Kevin G. Lauri