US law firm Jones Walker LLP has named New Orleans Partner Richard Cortizas as the company’s first Chief Diversity Officer.
He will lead a dedicated team focused on the firm’s commitment to build and maintain a diverse and inclusive workplace and culture. “Establishing the Chief Diversity Officer role is an important step in our law firm’s ongoing commitment to an inclusive workplace; and I cannot think of a more dedicated and inspiring lawyer than Richard to lead this important initiative for Jones Walker,” commented Bill Hines, Managing Partner of Jones Walker.
INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE
“As a diverse partner at Jones Walker, I know firsthand what a real sense of belonging feels like,” stated Cortizas. “I am committed to making Jones Walker a place where all people know they can be heard; where we listen in order to create transformational change; and where we encourage and promote an inclusive and innovative workplace.”
Cortizas will collaborate with Jones Walker’s leadership team and the Diversity Committee to develop and execute the firm’s diversity strategy focused on increasing awareness of the importance of diversity within the firm; fostering mutual respect and appreciation for different perspectives and experiences; and developing and implementing programmes to recruit, retain and advance lawyers and staff from diverse backgrounds. To support his leadership of this initiative, Cortizas is working toward his diversity, equity and inclusion certification from Stanford University.
Cortizas began his legal career at Jones Walker in 2004. In 2010, he left the firm to serve as Executive Counsel to New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and as City Attorney for the City of New Orleans until 2013. Before practicing law, Cortizas served as regional director for US Senator Mary L Landrieu.
Sign up for our newsletter
