Our pledge: A statement from Thompson Coburn

We are saddened and troubled by the events of the past few months — including the killing of Ahmaud Arbery while jogging in Glynn County, Georgia, the killing of EMT Breonna Taylor by police in Louisville, Kentucky, violent threats made against Christian Cooper while bird watching in Central Park, and most recently, the killing of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

No one should feel afraid to walk down the street, jog through a neighborhood or interact with law enforcement because of the color of their skin. No one should lose their life as a result of racism, bias or prejudice. And no one segment of our society should be responsible for opposing the devastating effects of racism: all of us play a critical role in acknowledging the deep wounds of racism and working to correct them. 

As a national law firm with offices in a number of the communities impacted by these recent events and the resulting protests, we share the pain and confusion felt by so many in our country. We also recognize the disparate impact of the COVID-19 virus on  people of color, and how the significant social and economic fallout from the virus is contributing to anger, grief and trauma across the country.

We stand behind our commitment to defend and support all members of our society. We value everyone and will continue to work to build an inclusive environment that recognizes and respects people of all backgrounds and experiences.

When you become a lawyer, you take an oath that you will represent the indigent, the defenseless and the oppressed. Now more than ever, we as attorneys and as a law firm pledge to continue living that oath and engaging with our communities to address the destructive impact of racism. 

Tom Minogue
Chair

Roman Wuller
Chair-Elect

Tony Anderson 
Diversity Committee Co-Chair

Booker Shaw
Diversity Committee Co-Chair

Norma Jackson
Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Professional Development