The LCLD recently requested that leaders of its member organizations craft a personal, public statement – a Leader’s Pledge – that requires the leader to create an action plan that translates their personal commitment to diversity into organizational changes. This pledge goes beyond well-meaning words – it requires leaders to create an action plan that translates their personal commitment to diversity into change that is specific, meaningful, and measurable.

In his pledge, Thomas said: “I take the responsibility of leading a diversity-first firm very seriously. As stewards of the law, Reed Smith and our profession has an obligation to lead the charge towards creating and promoting work environments that truly embrace inclusion and are diverse in background, experience, and thought. We must be persistent in the continuing to elevate diversity, equity and inclusion as a driving force behind the identity of our firm.”

Reed Smith is among the original co-founders of the LCLD, which now includes more than 350 members comprising the general counsel of Fortune 500 corporations, along with the managing partners of the nation’s largest law firms.

To see Thomas’ full Leaders Pledge and the firm’s organizations commitment, please visit lcld.net.