As a respected law firm representing clients in nearly every sector of the economy, Smith Haughey recognizes that diversity is a strength and an asset that advances a rich and dynamic environment where individuals are respected for their unique styles, contributions, and differences. While diversity is a business imperative, it is equally important to us as a social imperative. Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge is committed to maintaining and promoting an inclusive environment and it is this goal which is embodied in the very fabric of the firm.

The firm’s dedication to diversity starts at the top. Our Diversity Committee is chaired by the President of the firm. Our dedication is also reflected in our commitment of time, budget, and resources, and reinforced by the work of our Diversity Committee, which leads the efforts to develop and advance diversity at all levels within the firm.

Our diversity initiatives and policies reflect Smith Haughey’s deep commitment to equality and social justice. A diverse workforce is essential to our ability to provide our clients with the best possible legal services and to create an atmosphere in which all our people thrive. This includes men and women from different nations, cultures, ethnic groups, generations, backgrounds, skills, abilities and all the other unique differences that make each of us who we are.

We appreciate that true diversity is a journey, not a destination, and we are committed to continuous and visible efforts to achieve a truly diverse firm.

In short, we embrace our diversity as fundamental to the promotion of our firm’s values and recognize that diversity has an invaluable influence on our firm and our communities.

We will endeavor to promote innovative approaches that will enhance the diversity of our staff and attorneys and will recognize diversity as essential to fulfilling our principled business goals.

Diversity details:

• The Diversity Committee is a standing committee of the law firm that meets at least monthly.
• The President of the firm serves as the Chair.
• Currently, the Committee includes close to 40 members from all three offices and every level in the firm.
• A specific budget has been allotted to the Committee’s efforts.
• Every employee has been through a diversity workshop tailored for Smith Haughey by the Woodrick Diversity Learning Center at Grand Rapids Community College.
• The firm sponsors any member who wishes to attend the two-day Institute for Healing Racism.
• Smith Haughey was a founding member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association’s Minority Clerkship Program and continues to participate by hiring a first year, minority law student each summer.
• The Committee started a high school minority internship program with City High School in Grand Rapids. 
• The Committee coordinates a minority clerkship program for both Hope College and Thomas M. Cooley Law School which allows non-traditional students to gain experience working at a law firm. 
• The Committee sponsors regular cultural competency luncheons.
• Once monthly, members travel to ethnic restaurants to enjoy a variety of diverse cuisine.
• Our firm is a member of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
• Several of our attorneys are members of the Grand Rapids Bar Association’s Diversity Committee.
• The firm sponsored Black History Month programming on WGVU TV.
• The committee volunteers each month at Kids Food Basket where they assemble sack suppers for children in Grand Rapids Public Schools who are nutritionally at risk.
• The firm was honored with the "Employers Recognition Award" by the Women's Resource Center for its efforts to advance women in the workplace.