Diversity

Any law firm can talk about service to the idea of fostering a diverse work environment. At Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard, we put it into practice each day.

Sandberg Phoenix’s core philosophy involves reaching out to the wider legal community as well as encouraging inclusion under its own roof. At its most basic level, diversity is about cultivating a workplace where every staff member feels valued and respected, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, belief system or orientation. The diversity of a firm should reflect the heterogeneity of society at large.

There are many avenues through which Sandberg Phoenix creates a diverse environment in its offices and the broader legal community. Our active Diversity Committee comprises members from all levels of the firm, attorneys and administrative employees alike. Here are some of the ways in which the Sandberg Phoenix community champions diversity and inclusion:

One of the firm’s most forward-thinking offerings is a Continuing Legal Education program for St. Louis-area minority law firms. The program, “Training to New Heights,” covers a wide range of topics and provides CLE credit at no cost to these small firms.
Sandberg Phoenix is an active participant in and sponsor of minority job fairs, including the annual St. Louis Diversity Job Fair presented by the Association of Legal Administrators-Gateway Chapter.
The firm’s diversity clerkship program offers law students hands-on experience in the legal field while they are in law school, as well as a chance to be considered for future job openings.
Each summer, the firm’s attorneys participate in résumé review processes and mock job interviews for first-year minority students at local law schools, helping them hone their job-finding skills and gear up for a successful legal career.
Sandberg Phoenix attorneys belong to, and help sponsor activities for a number of diversity-focused professional organizations, including the Mound City Bar Association, Asian and Hispanic legal associations and DRI Diversity Symposium Section.
The firm participates in an after-school diversity internship program with Edwardsville High School, geared towards groups that are underrepresented in the legal profession. One student is given the opportunity to experience firsthand the many aspects of a career in law, by assisting in daily office work and periodically sitting in on depositions and hearings.

Sandberg Phoenix attorneys and staff make personal commitments to diversity as well, by referring qualified job candidates and individually mentoring new employees. Attorneys regularly volunteer with a range of programs that fit their personal interests and skills, including job-search advising and moot court competitions for minority student associations. It’s all part of a firmwide commitment to celebrate and cultivate the talents each member of the legal community brings to the table.

At Sandberg Phoenix, we believe the differences that set us apart should also bring us together.

“We are in the process of conducting a self-assessment of our diversity practices and analyzing how much further work is needed to reach our diversity goals. That includes recruitment, retention and creating a work environment where everyone feels appreciated.”
Veronica Armouti
Senior Associate and Diversity Committee Co-chair

“Diversity is about connecting better with our neighbors. We are staying very active recruiting minority students from the local area, including the law schools at Washington University, Saint Louis University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and the University of Missouri.”
John Sandberg
Partner and Diversity Committee Co-chair

“We work with diverse colleges to offer opportunities for (administrative) work in our field, including co-op/intern situations to provide students with legal experience. The goal of our firm is to have an inclusive environment where all members succeed.”
Candy Padgett Brockmann
Administrative Assistant and Diversity Committee Member

“We are very driven to make our diversity efforts more than just words. We want to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. We focus on recruiting, retention and the social and community outreach aspects of a diverse workforce.”
Bhavik Patel
Partner and Diversity Committee Member


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	Diversity Any law firm can talk about service to the idea of fostering a diverse work environment. At Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard, we put it into practice each day. Sandberg Phoenix’s core philosophy involves reaching out to the wider legal community as well as encouraging inclusion under its own roof. At its most basic level, diversity is about cultivating a workplace where every staff member feels valued and respected, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, belief system or orientation. The diversity of a firm should reflect the heterogeneity of society at large. There are many avenues through which Sandberg Phoenix creates a diverse environment in its offices and the broader legal community. Our active Diversity Committee comprises members from all levels of the firm, attorneys and administrative employees alike. Here are some of the ways in which the Sandberg Phoenix community champions diversity and inclusion: One of the firm’s most forward-thinking offerings is a Continuing Legal Education program for St. Louis-area minority law firms. The program, “Training to New Heights,” covers a wide range of topics and provides CLE credit at no cost to these small firms. Sandberg Phoenix is an active participant in and sponsor of minority job fairs, including the annual St. Louis Diversity Job Fair presented by the Association of Legal Administrators-Gateway Chapter. The firm’s diversity clerkship program offers law students hands-on experience in the legal field while they are in law school, as well as a chance to be considered for future job openings. Each summer, the firm’s attorneys participate in résumé review processes and mock job interviews for first-year minority students at local law schools, helping them hone their job-finding skills and gear up for a successful legal career. Sandberg Phoenix attorneys belong to, and help sponsor activities for a number of diversity-focused professional organizations, including the Mound City Bar Association, Asian and Hispanic legal associations and DRI Diversity Symposium Section. The firm participates in an after-school diversity internship program with Edwardsville High School, geared towards groups that are underrepresented in the legal profession. One student is given the opportunity to experience firsthand the many aspects of a career in law, by assisting in daily office work and periodically sitting in on depositions and hearings. Sandberg Phoenix attorneys and staff make personal commitments to diversity as well, by referring qualified job candidates and individually mentoring new employees. Attorneys regularly volunteer with a range of programs that fit their personal interests and skills, including job-search advising and moot court competitions for minority student associations. It’s all part of a firmwide commitment to celebrate and cultivate the talents each member of the legal community brings to the table. At Sandberg Phoenix, we believe the differences that set us apart should also bring us together. “We are in the process of conducting a self-assessment of our diversity practices and analyzing how much further work is needed to reach our diversity goals. That includes recruitment, retention and creating a work environment where everyone feels appreciated.” Veronica Armouti Senior Associate and Diversity Committee Co-chair “Diversity is about connecting better with our neighbors. We are staying very active recruiting minority students from the local area, including the law schools at Washington University, Saint Louis University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and the University of Missouri.” John Sandberg Partner and Diversity Committee Co-chair “We work with diverse colleges to offer opportunities for (administrative) work in our field, including co-op/intern situations to provide students with legal experience. The goal of our firm is to have an inclusive environment where all members succeed.” Candy Padgett Brockmann Administrative Assistant and Diversity Committee Member “We are very driven to make our diversity efforts more than just words. We want to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. We focus on recruiting, retention and the social and community outreach aspects of a diverse workforce.” Bhavik Patel Partner and Diversity Committee Member Firm History Firm Culture Community Involvement Courtroom Our Guarantee Diversity Downloads
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