Thompson Coburn Honored with Business of Pride Award

Thompson Coburn was named a recipient of the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2024 Business of Pride Award, acknowledging the firm's continued efforts in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity in the St. Louis region. The awards recognize 11 individuals, companies and nonprofits in the region that are putting in the work to support those in the LGBTQ+ community.

The firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are led by Chief Diversity and Attorney Development Officer Norma Jackson, along with partners Booker Shaw and Amanda Hettinger, co-chairs of the diversity committee. The Business Journal profiled the firm in a Q&A featuring responses from Jackson, noting initiatives and advice on supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

“The firm provides regular programming to educate team members on best practices for LGBTQ+ equity and provide opportunities for discussion,” the profile noted. “We collaborate with the National LGBTQ+ Bar’s DEI Consulting Practice on these regular efforts. We have an attorney-led LGBTQ+ affinity group that works to increase LGBTQ+ visibility and representation within the firm and the community at large.”

Investing in efforts informed by diverse voices is crucial as well: “It is important for companies to be committed to ongoing educational efforts that are developed with the input of individuals from marginalized communities. Investing in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is a strategic driver of growth that fosters improved workforce engagement, thought leadership and sharper consumer insights.”

While progress has been made, “there is still a long way to go to ensure equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Long-term and year-round advocacy is crucial to build a world where LGBTQ+ individuals can truly thrive.”

Click here to read the full profile.