A Firmwide Commitment

Talent/Diversity Lead Partners are embedded within practice groups in each office. They actively monitor work opportunities, facilitate constructive feedback, and oversee associate development. Each practice group also has a representative who sits on our Practice Group Talent/Diversity Team, which is responsible for developing practice group action plans for the experience, development, and retention of all our associates.

Our affinity groups offer an opportunity for anyone to join in order to build a stronger sense of community across practices and offices, provide mentoring opportunities, and facilitate business development efforts. Our affinity groups include Asian & Middle Eastern, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQ+, Military & Veterans, Women of Color, and Working Parents.

V&E provides numerous scholarships, fellowships, and internships. The firm is the founding sponsor of The University of Texas School of Law Pipeline Program. We also participate in external programs, such as Seizing Every Opportunity (SEO) and the Diverse Attorney Pipeline Program, which places 1L women of color with a law firm and in-house split-summer opportunity. Learn more about V&E’s scholarships and fellowships here.

V&E offers a variety of programs, resources, benefits, and initiatives to advance our lawyer’s careers while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. Below are a few examples:

• Gender-Neutral Parental Leave – Up to 18 weeks of fully paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.
• New Parent Mentoring Program – All expecting parents (male and female) are offered an experienced mentor to help guide them through personal and professional considerations related to being a new parent.
• Post-Family Leave Phase-In – A three-month phase-in period is encouraged to help primary caregiver transition back into work.
• Flexible Work Arrangements and Remote Work – Lawyers are able to propose a formal reduced-hours schedule, and all lawyers have the ability to work remotely when needed to balance client and personal commitments.
• Family-Friendly Events – Each year across our offices, we have several events – including client events – geared toward families and children.
• Back-Up Child and Elder Care – V&E offers subsidized back-up child and elder care providers – in-home, and through nearby facilities.