We are committed to building and sustaining a corporate culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our DEI Mission Statement
At Stout, we honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We are committed to representing and including the unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Our core values embrace a culture of inclusion and the equitable treatment of all team members, starting with Stout’s leadership and spreading across the organization. We strive to recruit, develop, and retain individuals with an array of talents, ideas, and experiences that propel the entrepreneurial spirit and exceptionalism that drive our success.
Our Journey to Date
The timeline below illustrates the evolution of our DEI strategy and accomplishments over the past two decades.
2004 |
2008 |
2011 |
2013 |
2014 |
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The firm expands Equal Employment Opportunity statement to include sexual orientation and gender identity. |
We establish our Pro Bono practice to assist low-income individuals and non-profit organizations. |
The Women’s Resource Group (WRG) is launched with the goal of uniting and empowering Stout's network of talented professional women. |
The Women in Business Scholarship is established with the goal of providing financial assistance to women who embody Stout's core values and ambitions to help them succeed in their pursuit of a business-related career. |
Stout introduces enhanced family-friendly benefits, including an expanded parental leave program for eligible employees. |
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2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
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We contribute to landmark legislation that provides legal counsel for low-income tenants who are subject to eviction, ejectment, or foreclosure proceedings. |
Stout hosts a national D&I Conference for its employees. |
Christina Carroll is elected to Stout’s board of directors, becoming the firm’s first female board member. |
We introduce a new leadership-sponsored and employee-led diversity, equity, and inclusion framework whose purpose is to lead, develop, and support sustainable actions surrounding five key pillars. |
Alan Bowser joins Stout’s board, expanding the diverse perspective of the firm’s senior leadership team and bringing his experiences as a Chief Diversity Officer to his non-executive, independent advisor role. |
Our DEI Framework
Our CEO-sponsored and employee-led DEI framework is designed to lead, develop, and support actions surrounding five key pillars we believe are central to a sustainable and continued commitment. As we shape our strategies, we will continue to seek feedback and guidance from colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure our approach has the greatest reach and impact.
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Recruiting |
Internal Engagement |
External Engagement |
Executive Support |
Community Impact |
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Create an authentic, transparent, and sustainable platform to identify and attract difference makers who embody Stout's core values and ensure that Stout reflects the diversity of our clients and communities. |
Develop awareness and education regarding workplace DEI, and provide visibility on the firm's progress toward the goal of augmenting inclusion and relationship-building at all levels. |
Commit to transparency and accountability for accelerating progress against our DEI strategy via regular updates with our clients and friends. |
Provide timely, accurate, and candid feedback on the DEI initiatives, thereby enhancing Stout's accountability toward our long-term DEI mission. |
Engage with local and national organizations focused on advancing DEI initiatives and provide pro bono services to non-profit organizations with a social justice mission. |
Diversity Metrics
An important part of building a workforce that reflects the clients and communities we serve is being more transparent about our progress. The below employee demographics report shows how we are progressing against diversity goals. While it is clear there is much more to do, this increased transparency will build greater trust and accountability, and ensure our diversity journey continues to proceed with purpose and speed.
Senior Leadership
2013
2020
Firmwide Demographics
2013
2020
Women in Business Scholarship
Stout is proud to offer an annual Women in Business Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to qualified female students pursuing a career in business. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to women who embody Stout's core values and ambitions to help them succeed in their pursuit of a business-related career. Visit our student page for more information on the application process and deadlines.