Diversity

Conner & Winters is deeply committed to developing an inclusive workplace and enhancing diversity throughout the firm as well as within the communities in which we have offices.  We have an active Diversity Committee, made up of partners, associates, paralegals and staff from five of our offices.  The Diversity Committee takes the lead in establishing diversity goals and in planning and coordinating diversity-related activities.  In collaboration with the firm’s Recruiting Committee, the Diversity Committee assists in expanding opportunities to recruit minority candidates, both directly out of law school and also through lateral hiring.

The Diversity Committee also seeks to identify sponsorship opportunities of groups and activities which help to foster diversity in the legal workplace as well as in the broader community.  For example, Conner & Winters took the lead in establishing the Tulsa Minority Mentoring Task Force, which brings together representatives from law firms and faculty, staff, and minority law student leaders from The University of Tulsa College of Law.  The Task Force hosts informal networking events for minority law students.  At these informal social gatherings, minority law students have the opportunity to meet and speak one-on-one with practicing attorneys in the public and private sectors and sitting judges.  The goal of the events is to assist minority law students in developing a network of professional mentors while gathering information about career opportunities.

Another example of the firm’s diversity commitment at the community level is exemplified by partner Jim Green’s development, in collaboration with a Tulsa County District Court judge, of a PowerPoint presentation graphically recounting the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921.  Jim has given the presentation in schools throughout Tulsa to help students understand the devastating impact of racism on a community.

Another partner, Steve Ward, is active in a number of organizations and activities sponsored by and for Native Americans in Oklahoma.   For example, Steve is a participant in the "Supreme Court Project" of the National Congress of American Indians.  The NCAI is the largest and oldest association of tribal governments in the nation.  The Supreme Court Project coordinates and assists tribes with the development and presentation of Indian law issues to the United States Supreme Court and the federal circuits.  Steve also provides pro bono legal representation of the Thunder Road Theater Company (formerly the Tulsa Indian Actors Workshop), a Native American owned and operated theater company based in Tulsa.

At Conner & Winters, we understand that our differences make us unique and that they help form a work environment based on independent thought and creativity.  We believe that outstanding lawyers are not determined by sex, race, gender or religion.  Our attorneys and staff use their varied talents and backgrounds as unique assets in providing clients the best in legal services.  By continuing to recruit, retain, develop, and promote a diverse group of lawyers and staff, we serve the interests of our clients, our firm, and our communities.