As a core principle on which it was founded, Litchfield Cavo LLP strives to show respect for others in our daily interactions with all individuals. With our Firm’s continued growth and diversification, we are proud of our advancement in this area and recognize the importance of an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to create an equitable work environment that appreciates each individual’s contributions to our Firm’s community and fosters a more diverse, as well as inclusive, talent force. Visible examples of our commitment to diversity include: the majority of our Executive Committee is diverse; all of our Firm’s administrative department heads, including marketing, accounting, human resources and billing, are diverse; the majority of our attorneys are diverse; and, our Firm’s assistant managing partner is diverse.
Our Diversity | Approach
Litchfield Cavo broadly defines diversity as differences among people, including race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, physical or mental disability and veteran status. We continue to make strides with our ongoing diversity initiative, including the following endeavors:
- Ensuring our Firm’s leadership positions are diverse and inclusive;
- Advocating for family-friendly policies, including flexible work schedules, remote work options and paid parental leave;
- Creating a compensation system focused on eliminating subjectivity and possible unconscious bias, thereby promoting pay equity;
- Recognizing important events, including International Women’s Day and Global Diversity Awareness Month;
- Participating in, as well as sponsoring, diverse job fairs;
- Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to improving the hiring, retention and promotion of diverse individuals;
- Encouraging participation from all offices so that there is geographic representation in promoting and advancing the Firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals;
- Fostering a platform for the Firm’s future leaders to promote and advance the Firm’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through the Firm’s Associate Subcommittee;
- Supporting an inclusive culture by participating in diverse membership organizations, community events, bar associations and affinity groups; and,
- Enhancing awareness and appreciation throughout our Firm’s community through mentorship and educational seminars.
Committee
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee meets on a monthly basis and reports directly to the Executive Committee. Our Committee membership includes the Assistant Managing Partner and former General Counsel, our Founding Partners, an Executive Committee member and Local Office Managing Partners. The Committee includes an active Associate Subcommittee that participates in our monthly Committee meetings.
Honoring Veterans
I come from a family that strongly believes in service to our country. My father was a 21 year United States Army veteran during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, one of my Uncles who served in the Army was killed in Italy during WWII, another Uncle was a Marine and fought at the Battle of Peleliu during the same war, my cousin made a career as a U.S. Air Force service member, and my nephew is proudly currently serving in the Army at Ft. Drum.
When I enlisted in the Army in 1982, it was an easy decision to carry on the proud family tradition of military service. At the time I joined, Rambo had just been released at the theater, and from that moment, I was gung ho to “Be All You Can Be”. Having the GI Bill college money wasn’t bad either. I volunteered for airborne training and was eventually a part of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Ft. Bragg, NC. I felt an enormous sense of pride that I was part of our family’s commitment to Duty, Honor and Country.
There are so many veterans and currently serving service members who have done more, and sacrificed more, in far more difficult situations than me. Attention and appreciation should be directed to them, especially those who have and continue to sacrifice to give us the freedoms we enjoy. Although I am a veteran I don’t like to bring attention to myself, but because I am a veteran I appreciate all the more the sacrifices made by so many and understand the debt owed to them.
Not to be forgotten are the families who offered their sons and daughters in defense of our county. There are some never to see them return. I can’t imagine the tremendous sense of loss my grandparents must have felt when told that their son had been killed in Italy. It is yet one more reason why it is so important to me to remember those who served and sacrificed, and to teach our younger generations the significance of what veterans contributed to this country and how those contributions impact them and their fellow citizens on a daily basis.
Too often, we don’t take the time to understand and appreciate the opportunities afforded to us, and why we Americans have the freedoms that we have. Holidays like Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day provide great teaching moments so that our children know the importance of demonstrating our appreciation by flying the flag, standing up for the National Anthem, thanking veterans and supporting these honorable individuals in other ways.
To all my fellow veterans, thank you for your service.
Thomas M. Crawford, Partner
IL | Chicago Office
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Spotlight: Jacqueline A. Maulucci, Partner
As a child, I argued with everyone—usually over things that had nothing to do with me. I even felt compelled to defend my sister for some reason when she was sentenced to a “time out.” I was often asked, “What are you, her lawyer?” I finally was able to respond, “Yes!” after earning my law degree and passing the bar almost fourteen years ago.
Relatively speaking, 2008 was not that long ago, but feels a lifetime has passed in terms of my personal development as an attorney, and in societal changes that have taken place.
Like most new lawyers, I lacked the confidence that comes with experience. The lack of self-assurance can be isolating when embarking on any chosen career, but I kept the constant fears of doing or saying the wrong thing to myself so others would not sense any insecurity.
Luckily, I had an amazing mentor who was patient and understanding. He shared his time and his knowledge, and was confident in me before I was confident in myself. He talked me through my mistakes and guided me through not only the legal work, but also in marketing and client development. His mentorship at a time very early in my career provided me with years of professional experience beyond my own.
It was not until I joined Litchfield Cavo that I realized the value of mentorship among women attorneys. There is no denying that women in the legal profession face a unique set of challenges. Every woman in this profession has been treated differently than male counterparts simply because they are a woman. Having a mentor was crucial when starting my career, but having a community of women at Litchfield Cavo to discuss shared experiences has been invaluable. Because of the mentorship of women at this Firm, I am better prepared to address the inequalities we face in our field and better armed to work on strategies to combat bias. And since becoming a mother, I have received countless pieces of invaluable and sage advice on achieving the ever-elusive work-life balance.
Female mentorship, and ultimately valued friendships, undoubtedly played a major factor in my elevation to partner. While the start of a career can be lonely, finding the right village empowered me to realize my own value and strive every day to be a person that other women and other attorneys can approach as either a sounding board or a sympathetic ear.
Every day I am proud of what I have accomplished in my career, but the definition of success for me is being in a position at Litchfield Cavo where I can help guide developing lawyers along their own path and pay forward the kindness and the wisdom shared with me over the years.
– Jacqueline A. Maulucci, Partner
