HOUSTON – March 22, 2023 – Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP’s Houston office and Shareholder Ethel J. Johnson were selected by the Houston Business Journal (HBJ) as 2023 Diversity in Business Award honorees.
According to HBJ, the Diversity in Business Awards program honors organizations and individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to promoting practices that advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as in business leadership.
“Since our founding, Greenberg Traurig has been intentional and strategic in its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts. Our Houston office stands committed to these initiatives and remains at the forefront of creating and supporting a diverse workplace,” Houston Managing Shareholder Shari L. Heyen said. “Congratulations to the Houston office, Ethel Johnson, and all the 2023 honorees. Together we are making a difference in the Houston community.”
This year marks the third consecutive year that Greenberg Traurig Houston was recognized in the Outstanding Diverse Organizations category. This category identifies organizations that have contributed to harnessing diversity within their workforces. It also honors those that have actively taken the lead to promote and champion the business case for diversity within the community or their industries.
Johnson is recognized in the Outstanding Diversity Champion category, which identifies individuals who have shown outstanding initiative to promote diversity and inclusion either within the community or their organizations.
“I am grateful to be part of a firm that emphasizes DE&I initiatives and is at the forefront of change,” Johnson said. “It is also an honor to be recognized by the HBJ. I am humbled to be included among such an inspiring group.”
As a Black woman who has achieved great success and recognition as a trial lawyer in Big Law, Johnson uses her position and experience to mentor law students, young lawyers, women, and lawyers of color. Both in a public and private setting, Johnson is a true leader and advocate for the advancement of diversity. Outside of her advocacy for diversity in the legal field, Johnson serves as an adjunct professor at Howard University School of Law which holds the distinction of graduating more African American attorneys than any other law school in the nation.
HBJ will host an award ceremony March 30 and will issue a special publication in an upcoming weekly edition.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP – Texas: Texas is important to Greenberg Traurig, LLP and the firm’s history. With approximately 150 Texas lawyers in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Greenberg Traurig has deep roots in the Texas business, legal, and governmental communities. Greenberg Traurig Texas works with clients to address their interdisciplinary legal needs across the state utilizing the firm’s global platform. The Texas attorneys are experienced in industries key to the state’s future, including: aviation, chemicals, construction, education, energy and natural resources, financial institutions, health care, hedge funds, hospitality, infrastructure, insurance, media, medical devices, pharmaceutical and biotechnology, real estate, retail, sports, technology and software, telecommunications, transportation, and video games and esports.
About Greenberg Traurig’s Diversity Initiative: From its inception, Greenberg Traurig has been committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Greenberg Traurig is a uniquely empowering and diverse firm built on a foundation of fairness, equality, and authenticity. Through its Social, Racial, and Economic Justice Action Plan, the firm has committed $5 million over five years to help combat systemic racism and support impoverished communities. In addition, the firm’s efforts have been recognized through its Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification Plus, administered by The Diversity Lab, and by local, national, and global publications and organizations including Chambers and Partners. Web: https://www.gtlaw.com/en/general/our-firm/diversity Twitter: @GT_Drives.
About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2650 attorneys in 44 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI “Highly Recommended Law Firm” for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 250. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e® Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: www.gtlaw.com.