Our Firm

Diversity & Inclusion

Fostering A Culture of Inclusion & Equality

We are proud of the local and national recognition our diverse attorneys and our diversity and inclusion efforts have received. This includes accolades from Lawyers of Color for our ongoing diversity efforts and above-average minority representation in the firm, resulting in Segal McCambridge being named a top 10 large law firm for our high percentage of African American attorneys.

Our firm also proudly supports many organizations that promote diversity in the legal industry and in society, including DRI’s Diversity for Success programs, Perrin’s Diversity & Inclusion Conference, Centerforce’s Women Diversity & Change Summit, the Black Women Lawyers’ Association and the Cook County Illinois Minority Job Fair. 

Members of our Diversity & Inclusion Committee are also regularly recognized for their legal acumen, including Kenneth Williams being named to the 2021 National Black Lawyers Top 100 and the Lawyers of Color 2019 Nation’s Best List, Madina Axelrod joining the firm’s Executive Committee in 2019 and Jill Felkins’ recognition as a 2019 Chicago Lawyer Magazine 40 Under Forty.

Mission Statement

At Segal McCambridge, diversity and inclusion are critically important. We are committed to a diversified and inclusive workplace that provides opportunities to all our employees regardless of race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion or national origin. In order to maintain a strong organization and effectively represent the interests of our clients, who also come from various cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and belief systems, we endeavor to hire, develop, retain and promote the talent reflecting those differences.

 Our diversity and inclusion efforts are therefore focused on:

  1. Embracing all cultures, ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations.
  2. Creating a work environment that fosters inclusivity, growth and advancement.
  3. Contributing to the diverse communities in which we live and work.
  4. Shepherding our diversity and inclusion objectives, and progress toward achieving them, through the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Diversity & Inclusion Committee

The Committee helps to ensure that our firm is focused on its diversity and inclusion goals and objectives. In particular, the Committee is involved in: diversity education; recruitment, retention and promotion of qualified attorneys and staff; participation in community activities; attorney professional development and pro bono work; and identification of new opportunities and approaches to promote diversity and inclusion within the firm.

Diversity & Inclusion Committee Members

Shareholders

Madina Axelrod, Co-chair, New York

Kenneth P. Williams, Co-chair, Detroit

Carmen Y. Cartaya, Ft. Lauderdale

Jill M. Felkins, Chicago

Kerry Lynn Rhoads, Detroit

Cameron D. Turner, Ft. Lauderdale

Carla Varriale-Barker, New York

Nancy S. Ferguson, Chicago

Senior Associates

Stephanie B. Burnstein, Detroit

Professional Management

Matt Frederick, New York