Diversity at Murphy Austin

Murphy Austin is committed to increasing our diversity through recruiting and retaining attorneys and staff from all backgrounds. This commitment is carried out by recognizing that our attorneys and staff have always been the source of the strength of our firm. We further recognize that promoting diversity is an integral component of our continuing quest for excellence as individual attorneys and as a firm.

We have long embraced the principles of equal employment opportunity. Our Firm's Policy of Non-Discrimination can be found below.

It is the policy of the Firm to accept, support, and practice the concept of non-discrimination in relation to race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, ethnicity, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, political belief, marital status, registered domestic partner status and/or all other protected characteristics pursuant to applicable federal, state and local law. This policy of non-discrimination pertains to all areas of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, pay, assignments, promotions, demotions, discipline, terminations, layoffs, working conditions, training, benefits, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.

Employment discrimination against qualified individuals based on a disability of the individual is prohibited by both state and federal law and by the policies of the firm contained in this Handbook. The implementation of these laws requires communication and cooperation on the part of both the employee and the employer. Any applicant or employee with a physical or mental disability who requires an accommodation in the hiring process or in order to perform the essential functions of the job should contact the Human Resources Manager and request such an accommodation in writing. The applicant or employee should also provide sufficient information so that a determination can be made as to whether a qualifying disability exists. The individual with the disability should specify what accommodation(s) he or she needs in the hiring process or to perform the job. The Firm then will conduct an investigation to identify the barriers that make it difficult for the applicant or employee to have an equal opportunity in the hiring process or to perform his or her job. The Firm will interact with the applicant or employee to identify possible accommodations, if any, that will not impose an undue hardship, and will make such accommodations where possible.

Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination in the workplace are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of their supervisor. Employees can raise concerns and make reports without fear of reprisal. Anyone found to be engaging in prohibited conduct under the policies set forth in this Handbook will be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

As part of the effort to advance our commitment to diversity throughout the Firm, the following initiatives, among others, are being pursued:

• We will maintain a workforce environment which is fulfilling, positive and in which mutual respect is encouraged.
• We will continue to seek employees from diverse backgrounds. Fair hiring practices, effective Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity programs, as well as good employee relations, will assist us in achieving that end.
• We will strive to foster and assimilate a diverse workforce in all aspects of our business operations. Mentorship concepts and employee developmental programs will be supported.
• We will capitalize on the potential a diverse employee base brings to our competitiveness and profit performance.
• We will continue to educate and develop our workforce through diversity training.
• We will monitor and assess our performance through clear expectations, accountabilities, and annual evaluations.
• We will strive to improve the level of diversity within the Firm's leadership positions, Firm committees and practice development efforts.
• We will emphasize the Firm's long-standing policy that encourages reporting of any discrimination or harassment based on sex, race, national origin or other protected status.
• We will seek opportunities outside the Firm to explore diversity initiatives underway with clients, bar associations and organizations that share this common objective.