14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft remained committed to diversity despite the adversities of the global economic crisis, revealed Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. In fact, the Redmond company's CEO stressed that the challenging economic climate was the perfect opportunity to renew the focus given to diversity. The event was also the stage where Microsoft was presented with the A. Leon Higginbotham Award. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law explained that the award was designed to recognize Microsoft's both efforts for diversity and pro bono work.
“We cannot let current economic challenges derail progress made on diversity efforts in the IT industry, legal profession or anywhere else,” Ballmer explained. “Diversity is critical to the success of our economy and to the advancement of our society. Workplaces that welcome different experiences, perspectives and capabilities and foster talent and creativity can be great engines of innovation – which is needed now, more than ever.”
Microsoft Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel Nancy Anderson accepted the award on behalf of the company. Anderson pointed out that supporting opportunity and fighting discrimination was regarded as one of the critical pillars for Microsoft.
Starting with July 2008, Microsoft has been supporting the “pay for performance” tactic in relation to its legal firms. The company awards financial bonuses for partners under the Law Firm Diversity Program, provided that the law firms it works with invest in diversity in the legal profession.
When it comes down to pro bono efforts, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law indicated the Redmond company's Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) advocacy initiative as one of the reasons for the A. Leon Higginbotham Award. The initiative is set up to offer legal counsel to unaccompanied immigrant children, pro bono of course.
“Now is not the time to reign in our ambition to promote diversity. Because the legal profession plays a critical role in ensuring opportunity throughout society, it’s especially important to promote diversity within the legal community,” Ballmer added. “At Microsoft, we’re committed not only to sustaining our diversity work, but also to raising our ambitions, focused not only on investments, but on outcomes.”