Kimberly Gatling, Fox Rothschild chief diversity and inclusion officer. Courtesy photo

Fox Rothschild has named its first-ever chief diversity and inclusion officer, appointing a North Carolina-based intellectual property litigator, Kimberly Bullock Gatling, to fill the role.

The move comes at a time when discussions about race in the wake of George Floyd's death are dominating the national conversation—and forcing law firms and their clients to refocus their attention on questions of diversity. Fox Rothschild acknowledged the timing in its announcement Wednesday, stating that "the call for change is clear" and calling "black lives matter" a statement that is "independent of politics and debate."

While other law firms have hired professionals to serve as full-time diversity and inclusion executives in recent years, Gatling said there is "immense value" in having a partner take the role.

"Having been a practicing attorney for so many years, and having served in leadership roles in organizations that serve minority and underprivileged members of the community, I have personal insight into the many challenges facing our communities as well as our profession," she said in an email. "I know this firm and our industry. I am a person of color. We need both."

Fox Rothschild said its executive committee decided at a retreat in February to appoint a chief diversity officer. Now that Gatling has been named to the role, she'll develop programs to promote a more diverse workforce and an inclusive environment at all levels, the firm said.

"It's been gratifying to witness the near universal support that is now fueling the Black Lives Matter movement in an unprecedented manner," Gatling said. "We are, as a society, confronting questions about ourselves as never before. So I'm particularly humbled to have the opportunity to take on this new role at the firm, at this pivotal moment."

Gatling joined Fox Rothschild as a partner in 2018 as part of the firm's merger with North Carolina-based midsize firm Smith Moore Leatherwood. Based in Greensboro, she concentrates her practice on intellectual property prosecution, licensing and litigation.

Gatling said she will keep up her IP practice while filling her new role. She also serves on the board of the United Way of Greater Greensboro and the Cone Health Foundation, and is a past fellow in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity.