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Stoel Rives has appointed Karen L. O’Connor chairwoman of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. It develops strategies and tools to help the firm achieve its goals for diversity, equity and inclusion in its workforce.

O’Connor, who is based in Portland, is a partner in Stoel Rives’ Labor and Employment group. She focuses on counseling and litigation concerning workplace harassment and discrimination, among other complex legal issues.

As chairwoman, O’Connor will oversee implementation of the firm’s long-term diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. She has been a member of the DEIC since 2018 and served most recently as vice chairwoman. O’Connor has worked closely with Chairman Timothy M. Taylor to ensure a smooth transition, according to Stoel Rives. Dexter J. Pearce, an associate in the Portland office, will serve as vice chairman of the committee.

Throughout the construction and related service industries, companies are racing to diversify. Many white-owned firms are struggling to diversify their ranks, particularly at the managerial and executive levels. Recruitment can be a 鈥渃hicken or the egg鈥� problem, O’Connor said in an interview.

鈥淎ttracting people of color is made more difficult if you don’t have people of color,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou have to go at it from both angles: Recruit at higher-than-entry level, so you can then provide people 鈥� entry-level mentors and paths to success.鈥�

Retaining diverse employees also requires ongoing investment, including professional development and assignment of mentors, O’Connor said.

鈥淵ou have to actively support the people that you have, which is kind of challenging right now during a pandemic,鈥� she said.

Companies can also benefit by investing earlier in the pipeline, O’Connor said. Firms can forge connections with institutions such as Benson Polytechnic High School that may supply a more diverse candidate pool later, she said.

The DEIC was established in 2005. It promotes and monitors Stoel Rives’ initiatives and progress in attracting, developing and retaining diverse attorneys and staff.

鈥淥ur culture needs to reflect our diverse community, and we believe that a more diverse law firm is a better law firm,鈥� O’Connor stated in a news release. 鈥淎t this pivotal moment in our country, each of us might ask, 鈥榃hat can I do to make a difference?’ And I am thrilled at the opportunity to lead the DEIC and help make a difference at Stoel Rives.鈥�

The firm has also encouraged the formation of workplace affinity groups, such as Lawyers of Color, Associates of Color, Women at Stoel Rives, and Q, for LGBTQ+ attorneys.

鈥淜aren has demonstrated clear leadership that has strengthened the committee’s role at Stoel and has been an important voice in helping us focus on best practices to foster an environment in which diverse talent can thrive at the firm,鈥� Melissa Jones, Stoel Rives’ managing partner, stated in a news release.

Pearce is a founding member of the firm’s Associates of Color affinity group and has been a member of the DEIC since 2018.