Tamika Walters

About Tamika Walters

I am a chief culture creator, empathy builder, bias breaker and business expander with 20+ of experience in the law. I offer a unique combination of business and legal acumen, people skills, and leadership experience, with the added strategic expertise acquired by having to navigate success from the vantage point of a marginalized identity. As a former Big Law litigator and business development manager, I use my extensive knowledge of the legal industry to influence and guide firm leadership on the benefits and methods of inclusion. Reporting directly to the managing partner and executive committee, I educate key stakeholders on the well-founded business case for DEI, the historical justification, and compliance with current state and federal laws. I advise office managing partners and practice group leaders seeking to enhance the diversity and inclusion of their respective groups. I have authored firm-wide policies that support inclusion and highlight those that advance inclusive practices.My goal is to create a workplace where everyone, regardless of their background, feels welcome and has a fair opportunity to succeed. To that end, I design trainings, educational programs, and cultural heritage celebrations that foster inclusion for women, racial/ethnic minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. I also founded and provide leadership for affinity groups.In an effort to increase access to the best and most diverse talent, I oversee pipeline initiatives such as our Pre-Law Program, campus outreach to student groups, diverse bar association involvement, and targeted sponsorships of diverse professional development conferences. I also coach diverse attorneys on career development and client relations.When not tending to internal matters at the firm, I conduct workforce trainings for clients on a broad array of topics such as inclusive leadership, effective communication, bias, teamwork, and corporate values. I have also organized CLEs for bar associations on the legal landscape of DEI.

Experience

1. Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer

   Burr & Forman

   Jan 2021 — Present

   First person to hold the Chief D&I Officer role at the firm. Built vision, goals, policies, programs, and initiatives from the ground up. Provide guidance and tools needed to increase recruiting and retention of diverse talent. Led firm to achieve Mansfield Certification, which recognizes efforts to expand the pool of qualified people considered for leadership roles. Increased firm-wide engagement with diversity and inclusion programs.

Education

• Georgetown Law

  J.D.

• Cornell University

  Certificate, Diversity & Inclusion

• Brown University

  B.A., Educational Studies

Skills

• Management
• Strategy
• Crm
• Training
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Marketing Research
• Civil Litigation
• Public Speaking
• Employment Law
• Legal Research
• Business Development
• Document Review
• Events