NEW YORK – Nov. 2, 2020 – The second episode of Greenberg Traurig’s “GTDRIVES: Dynamic Dialogues,” now available, continues the “courageous conversation” begun in the first installment, with A. Michael Pratt, an accomplished litigator at the firm and a leader in Philadelphia’s legal and civic communities. Pratt discusses his op-ed “A Black Father’s Letter to His Black Son: ‘My Mission is to Keep You Safe,” published by ALM.
The podcast is designed to inform business leaders, in-house counsel, and others about developments in diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is hosted by firm Shareholder and Chief Diversity Officer Nikki Lewis Simon and is part of Greenberg Traurig’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative. The podcast is available on the firm’s website and on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify.
Pratt’s piece captured the inescapable duality of celebrating his son’s college graduation marked by the pain and sadness of grieving the death of George Floyd and many others. Pratt and Simon discuss Pratt’s life experiences and explore his point of view and how he believes people can change the reality of racism and inequitable treatment. Pratt also shares stories about segments of his life and how these shaped him as a Black attorney and father.
GTDRIVES is the diversity platform through which Greenberg Traurig “drives” engagement, full inclusion, and equity. DRIVES is an acronym for Diversity, Retention, Inclusion, Value, Elevation, and Success, which are some of the firm’s core values. Podcast episodes will address key diversity topics in the workplace and in the news, including interviews as well as Greenberg Traurig’s Courageous Conversations series, where members of the firm and others share parts of their journeys.
Simon, a commercial litigator based in Miami, has more than 21 years of experience as an attorney. In her capacity as Greenberg Traurig’s Chief Diversity Officer, Simon designs and guides strategic initiatives and programs to deepen firmwide diversity and inclusion efforts that further enrich client engagements and community investments. Her role is indicative of, and integral to, Greenberg Traurig’s core values of collaboration and inclusion.
About Greenberg Traurig’s Diversity Initiative: From its inception, Greenberg Traurig has been committed to diversity 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 3.0 Certification, administered by The Diversity Lab, and by local, national, and global publications and organizations including Chambers and Partners. Web: DRIVES Twitter: @GT_Drives
About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT), has approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certified. Web: www.gtlaw.com