I, Ed Christian, personally commit to the following:

Personal Commitment 

• I make a personal commitment to grow in my knowledge, understanding and advocacy of DEI.
• I commit to promoting a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at all levels of Burr & Forman.
• I will use internal and external opportunities to communicate Burr & Forman’s commitment to DEI as a core aspect of the firm’s values and strategic objectives.
• I will continue to use my voice and position as a leader in the firm to advance the firm’s DEI priorities as they relate to recruitment, development, advancement, and retention efforts.
• I will use my influence to encourage members of the firm’s leadership—including practice group leaders, office managing partners, and committee chairpersons—to actively participate and support our DEI programming. 
• I will engage with our Affinity Group leaders—including the leaders of our Asian American, African American, Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQ+, Multiracial, Veteran, and Women’s Initiative groups—to discuss concerns and suggestions for improving DEI at the firm. 
• I will communicate Burr’s DEI initiatives with clients and explore partnership opportunities.

Organizational Commitment 

• Burr & Forman will continue to commit firm resources to DEI, including investing in full-time DEI staff, as well as regular training and educational programming, in order to ensure that we meet our DEI goals.
• Burr & Forman will ensure that DEI initiatives and resources are readily accessible to all employees.
• Burr & Forman will continue to participate in diverse job fairs and take other steps to diversify its workforce.
• Burr & Forman will invest in the next generation of diverse lawyers through the firm’s Pre-Law Program and Diversity Fellowships.
• Burr & Forman will continue to use the Mansfield Rule when making leadership appointments.
• Burr & Forman will build and maintain strategic diversity partnerships with clients, diversity organizations, and the community.
• Through its Social Justice Initiative, Burr & Forman will raise awareness of social justice issues and provide opportunities for attorneys and staff to make a positive impact through volunteerism and pro bono opportunities.