Archer & Greiner named partner Lloyd Freeman chief diversity officer. "I really want diversity to be woven into the fabric of our law firm," Freeman said. READ MORE

Though his efforts toward diversity and inclusion at his firm and beyond well predate it, Lloyd Freeman being named Archer & Greiner's first chief diversity officer last year was indeed momentous. And he has been effective so far. Freeman plays a major role in attorney recruitment, which strengthens his impact in the D&I realm, and which also provides a talent pipeline for the Haddonfield-based firm, where he became the first attorney of color to ascend from summer associate to partner. Freeman is former president of the Garden State Bar Association, and is active in many other community and professional groups.

What are your proudest professional achievements over the last couple of years?

I was named Chief Diversity Officer for our firm last year. In this role, Archer has given me a leadership position that empowers me to influence the overall workplace culture. I've also been principally responsible for our firm's summer associate program for the last couple of years. Since that time, 72% of the firm's summer associates have been people of color and 65% have been women. Witnessing the positive results of my work in the diversity space is highly rewarding.

What has been your experience with diversity in the profession, and how does it factor in to your day-to-day work as an attorney?

Diversity is a serious issue in the legal profession so I am always intentional in my efforts to create a more inclusive environment. As Chief Diversity Officer, I sit on most of the firm's committees to ensure that we keep diversity in the forefront of our daily decisions and it is ultimately woven into the fabric of our law firm.

What can organizations employing lawyers do to better address diversity?

You must educate lawyers on their moral obligation to promote diversity and get them comfortable with tackling sensitive issues such as bias, privilege and emotional intelligence. Once lawyers are educated in these critical areas, they must be held accountable for whether they contribute to the firm's diversity mission.

Name a mentor, or someone you admire, and why.

I have a great mentor—Damien Atkins. Even while serving as general counsel of some of America's largest corporations, he still finds time to give the best advice and create opportunities for my personal and professional development. He is also a champion of diversity and ensures that it is a top priority for his workplace. He is truly a role model.

What is your best advice for someone looking to make an impact in the legal profession?

Look to create opportunities for the next generation of attorneys.  Follow through by providing those same young attorneys with the proper mentorship and guidance, to ensure that we continue to move the needle in the diversity and inclusion space.