RJO Statement on Racial and Social Justice

I wish I could say that racism and prejudice were only distant memories. We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust… We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better.

-Justice Thurgood Marshall

Our country is facing a reckoning. We must acknowledge that structural racism exists and that it has eroded society’s faith in the justice system. Equal justice under the law provides no exception for one’s skin color or socioeconomic background. The killings of George Floyd and many others are stark reminders that we have more work to do to ensure that all individuals in America are treated with dignity and fairness. As lawyers, the call for justice rings especially true and demands action.

RJO recognizes that justice for all is imperative and that we all must take deliberate, proactive measures to correct the ugliness of racism that is deeply rooted in our society. Our firm takes pride in its history of inclusion, commitment to diversity, and equality for all. But systemic injustice requires more. Thus, RJO has pledged to take concrete action, effective immediately, to further promote diversity, inclusion, and social and racial justice for all. These action items are in addition to RJO’s ongoing efforts to further these important objectives:

• Increase resources in our pro bono program for matters and organizations that promote racial and social justice and equality
• Increase our contributions through efforts such as volunteerism and philanthropy to non-governmental organizations such as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and ACLU dedicated to racial and social justice
• Promote our engagement of diverse and minority-owned vendors and businesses in the communities in which we work
• Assess and adjust our recruiting, retention and advancement policies in order to find new ways to maximize opportunities for diverse candidates and employees

These actions are meant to exemplify the more conscious, intentional ways in which we conduct ourselves and our law firm. We commit to self-examine, listen, learn, and take concrete steps to promote a more just society for all. As the California Supreme Court said:

“In our profession and in our daily lives, we must confront the injustices that have led millions to call for a justice system that works fairly for everyone.”

As a law firm and a community, we will continue our mission with humility and a commitment to racial and social justice.