Initiatives
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is much more than written policies and mission statements. We continuously undertake strategic efforts to advance diversity and foster a respectful, equitable and inclusive workplace. Our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are led by our Diversity Committee, which includes associates, shareholders and staff.
Retention & Advancement
- The firm belongs to Twin Cities Diversity in Practice (TCDIP). TCDIP provides business development, mentorship and networking opportunities for newer attorneys of color in the Twin Cities.
- We are committed to providing equal advancement opportunities for all of our attorneys and staff and strive to provide equal access to all work and cultural opportunities inside and outside of the Firm.
- Associate attorneys participate in a formal mentoring program that fosters substantive working relationships across all skill levels.
- Associate attorneys within three years of shareholder consideration move to our sponsorship program. Each associate attorney is paired with a successful veteran attorney who is personally invested in the future success of the associate and has the ability to assist the associate move his or her career forward.
- We provide regular workflow meetings between department heads and associates to ensure an equal division of work and equal access to opportunities.
- We have a generous paid parental leave policy for associates and staff who become parents, through either birth or adoption.
Recognition
- Attorneys Christopher Yetka and Gregory Otsuka and staff members Risa Patrias and Kayla Pietsch completed the The Minnesota Equity Challenge and received a Minnesota Racial Equity Challenge Certification in June 2023.
- Firm Attorney, Nic Puechner served on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association.
Education & Awareness
- Supporting Awareness - The firm became an early supporter of LGBTQ+ organizations like Philanthrofund Foundation, Human Rights Campaign, Minnesota AIDS Project, and Outfront Minnesota, leading the way for other law firms in our market.
- LGBTQ+ Pride Events - We began participating in the Ashley Rukes Pride Parade back in 2017 and we continue to support the LGBTQ+ community as a proud sponsor of Bloomington Pride. A number of our attorneys and staff attend the pride events to celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ friends, family members and clients.
- Minnesota Lavender Bar Association - ConferenceLarkin Hoffman has co-sponsored the Annual Minnesota Lavender Bar Association Conference since 2016.
- Women’s Networking Initiative - Women attorneys at Larkin Hoffman have been leaders in both the business and legal arenas. Years ago, our professional women initiated a new type of event to create an opportunity for professional women in business and law to meet, establish connections and deepen existing relationships in a fun and enthusiastic environment. We continue to host a Women's Networking Event every year.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?'” The King Center recommends that private organizations and businesses honor Dr. King by encouraging employees to undertake community service work to address social needs on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Larkin Hoffman proudly honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by giving employees a day off to allow them time to reflect and participate in community service.
- Ongoing Diversity Training - We provide diversity and inclusion training opportunities for our professionals to learn more about themselves, their colleagues and the clients we serve.
Retention & Advancement
- The firm belongs to Twin Cities Diversity in Practice (TCDIP). TCDIP provides business development, mentorship and networking opportunities for newer attorneys of color in the Twin Cities.
- We are committed to providing equal advancement opportunities for all of our attorneys and staff and strive to provide equal access to all work and cultural opportunities inside and outside of the Firm.
- Associate attorneys participate in a formal mentoring program that fosters substantive working relationships across all skill levels.
- Associate attorneys within three years of shareholder consideration move to our sponsorship program. Each associate attorney is paired with a successful veteran attorney who is personally invested in the future success of the associate and has the ability to assist the associate move his or her career forward.
- We provide regular workflow meetings between department heads and associates to ensure an equal division of work and equal access to opportunities.
- We have a generous paid parental leave policy for associates and staff who become parents, through either birth or adoption.
Education & Awareness
- Supporting Awareness - The firm became an early supporter of LGBTQ+ organizations like Philanthrofund Foundation, Human Rights Campaign, Minnesota AIDS Project, and Outfront Minnesota, leading the way for other law firms in our market.
- LGBTQ+ Pride Events - We began participating in the Ashley Rukes Pride Parade back in 2017 and we continue to support the LGBTQ+ community as a proud sponsor of Bloomington Pride. A number of our attorneys and staff attend the pride events to celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ friends, family members and clients.
- Minnesota Lavender Bar Association - ConferenceLarkin Hoffman has co-sponsored the Annual Minnesota Lavender Bar Association Conference since 2016.
- Women’s Networking Initiative - Women attorneys at Larkin Hoffman have been leaders in both the business and legal arenas. Years ago, our professional women initiated a new type of event to create an opportunity for professional women in business and law to meet, establish connections and deepen existing relationships in a fun and enthusiastic environment. We continue to host a Women's Networking Event every year.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?'” The King Center recommends that private organizations and businesses honor Dr. King by encouraging employees to undertake community service work to address social needs on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Larkin Hoffman proudly honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by giving employees a day off to allow them time to reflect and participate in community service.
- Ongoing Diversity Training - We provide diversity and inclusion training opportunities for our professionals to learn more about themselves, their colleagues and the clients we serve.
Recognition
- Attorneys Christopher Yetka and Gregory Otsuka and staff members Risa Patrias and Kayla Pietsch completed the The Minnesota Equity Challenge and received a Minnesota Racial Equity Challenge Certification in June 2023.
- Firm Attorney, Nic Puechner served on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association.
