Diversity & Inclusion

Championing Diversity and Inclusion at Verrill: Our Commitment in Action

At Verrill, diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into the very fabric of our firm. Our commitment is rooted in a deep belief that the richness of human experience and perspectives enhances our client service and makes us a stronger and more compassionate firm.

Our Core Values: Recognizing Every Individual’s Potential

“We will recognize the talents of each individual and recognize that all of our employees have the potential to contribute to the success of the firm.”
– From Verrill’s Core Values

Diversity encompasses a broad spectrum of human attributes, transcending race and gender. Inclusion is about welcoming all generations, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, religions, abilities, values, family statuses, backgrounds, and experiences into our Verrill family. We firmly believe that fostering an environment of respect and inclusion creates a resilient and thriving firm.

At Verrill, we recognize that every person comes from a unique background, strengthening our firm. We have established employee-led affinity groups, including a Pride Group and Women’s Group, to increase awareness, enhance relationships, celebrate diversity, and foster a sense of belonging.

Fostering Unity and Trust: Our Dedication to Inclusivity

“We will foster teamwork, loyalty, collegiality, trust, and mutual respect in our workplace.”
– From Verrill’s Core Values

At Verrill, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is backed by action:

1. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee: Verrill established a Diversity Committee over a decade ago, dedicated to making Verrill a pioneer for our legal excellence and inclusive workplace, supporting all attorneys and staff.
2. Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA): Verrill is a proud member of the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance, signifying our commitment to addressing racial injustice and fostering a more equitable legal profession.
3. Racial Justice Fund: Verrill was a founding contributor to the Racial Justice Fund launched by the Maine Justice Foundation.
4. Solidarity Against Racial and Social Injustice: Verrill was one of the initial signatories of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce’s “Standing in Solidarity Against Racial and Social Injustice” commitment pledge.
5. Connecticut Legal Community’s Diversity & Inclusion Pledge: Verrill joined the Connecticut Bar Association in its ongoing commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in the region’s legal community.
6. Gender Diversity Milestones: Verrill has a rich history of breaking barriers. In 1992, we elected the first woman Managing Partner in Maine. Our commitment to gender diversity further exemplifies our ranking among the top U.S. law firms for the percentage of female partners.
7. National Recognition: We have earned recognition as “Ceiling Smashers” by Law360 and have consistently ranked among the top 10 law firms in the National Law Journal’s “NLJ 500 Women’s Scorecard.”
8. Listening and Learning: We continually survey our attorneys and staff to ensure that our inclusion initiatives are genuinely inclusive and valued by all.
9. Supporting Communities: Verrill actively participates in organizations such as the Boston Lawyers Group and the Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity, which aim to advance the recruitment, retention, and promotion of lawyers of color in the legal profession.
10. Diverse Talent Pipeline: We actively recruit from law schools with diverse student populations that share our commitment to diversity through our membership in the Diversity Hiring Coalition of Maine, Boston Lawyers Group, and the Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity.

At Verrill, we are committed to making a difference within our walls and empowering our clients and communities on the journey toward diversity, equity, and inclusion. Together, we can build a more inclusive future.

“I am disappointed by the decreasing number of diversity officers and firms backing down on diversity efforts. Now is not a time to retreat, but to continue to build upon the progress that we have made.”
– Geoff Why, Diversity Partner