Diversity & Inclusion

At Vorys, diversity and inclusion are not only long-standing core values, but also key strategic priorities.  We are a better, stronger firm and more effective legal and business partners when we recognize the value of diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.  We work each day to create an inclusive culture in which everyone can feel meaningfully included in the entire firm experience, including enjoying a genuine sense of belonging and equal access to professional opportunities.

Vorys Networks

Open to everyone, the Vorys Networks serve an important role in fostering an inclusive workplace and supporting a team-oriented approach that makes Vorys a special place to work.  Our Networks are designed to help build relationships within the firm, provide client and community engagement opportunities, promote professional and leadership development, and create space to leverage our talent’s unique perspectives and experiences in support of broader firm initiatives.  Throughout the year, we host a variety of programs including quarterly meetings and annual summits which bring together colleagues from across the firm for professional development, fellowship and networking. 

• Vorys Women's Network for Attorneys and Patent Professionals (VWN)

  VWN Co-Chairs, Elizabeth Howard and Karey Werner

• Vorys Women's Network for Legal Professionals (VWN-LP)

  VWN-LP Co-Chairs, Jen House and Doreen Watt

• Vorys Diversity Network (VDN)

  VDN Chair, Jabari Shaw

Client and Community Engagement

Vorys Initiative for Business Empowerment

The Vorys Initiative for Business Empowerment provides legal support for minority-owned businesses.  Our goal is to help create a strong legal foundation that allows our clients to navigate the challenges associated with business ownership.  By providing legal services at no or low cost, and delivering valuable educational content and training, we facilitate the development of minority-owned businesses from inception to maturity and through succession.

Hockey Is For Everyone

Vorys is the official corporate and business law partner of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Hockey Is For Everyone Night, a partnership that developed in recognition of our history with the team and our shared commitment to the Columbus community and diversity, equity and inclusion.  Hockey Is for Everyone Night is a celebration of diversity and inclusion that uses the game of hockey to drive positive social change and foster more inclusive communities.  For more information on Hockey Is For Everyone, see here.

Vorys Initiative for Diversity in Intellectual Property (IP)

As part of Vorys commitment to diversity and inclusion, Vorys launched the Vorys Initiative for Diversity in IP (VIDIP), a program designed to help clients who are looking to break down barriers and increase diversity in the company’s innovation ecosphere, including diversifying the pool of talent and inventors in IP.  One of the initiative’s goal is to help clients address the issues they can control and create initiatives designed to improve the diversity of the company’s innovation ecosphere over time.  For more information VIDIP, please contact Carey Jordan.

Recognition

Mansfield 7.0 Certified

Vorys achieved Mansfield Certification from Diversity Lab after completing the Mansfield Rule 7.0 program from July 2023-June 2024. The Mansfield Rule focuses on broadening the pool of candidates considered for leadership roles and other opportunities and promotes transparency in advancement processes, with the goal of ensuring lawyers have a fair and equal opportunity to advance into leadership. Vorys earned Mansfield 6.0 certification in 2023 and Mansfield 5.0 certification in 2022.  The firm is also participating in the pilot group for Mansfield Rule 8.0 in 2025.  

Human Rights Campaign Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality

Since 2008, Vorys has been recognized as a top LGBTQ+-friendly workplace.  The firm has earned an equality score of 100 (out of a possible 100) in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index since 2018.  In the 2025 CEI, Vorys was named to the “Equality 100 Award” list.

2024 Diversity Champion Award

Vorys was the sole recipient of the Ohio Women's Bar Association's  (OWBA) 2024 Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award.  According to the OWBA, each year the organization recognizes a law firm, company, or other legal organization that has a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the profession with the Award.  Learn more.

Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Diversity in the Legal Profession

In 2019, Jolie Havens, Vorys’ Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, was selected from 14 finalists nationally as the winner of the Chambers and Partners 2019 “Outstanding Contribution to Furthering the Advancement of Diversity in the Legal Profession” Award.  Jolie has also been recognized with multiple awards from the National Diversity Council.

Contact Us

Sachiyo Peterson, partner and chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, sipeterson@vorys.com