Godfrey & Kahn: Culture & Belonging

Culture & Belonging

We thrive in our environment where people can bring their full, authentic selves, and their unique skills and values to work. We want everyone to feel comfortable adding their voices to the conversation.

Main Content

Driven by Diverse Perspectives

This vision began with the firm’s founders, who understood that their different experiences and complementary strengths make us stronger together in serving our clients and communities. Early on, we recognized the opportunity to strengthen the firm and its people by seeking and supporting greater diversity of perspectives and experiences.

Our Culture & Belonging Committee is comprised of leaders of all of the firm’s committees to promote collaboration and ensure thoughtful ways of being more inclusive are infused across our work every day.

Our commitment to Culture & Belonging is not an isolated initiative backed by a single department, it's a guiding principle impacting everything we do. Cultivating inclusion and equal opportunity in our workplace is a journey. We celebrate the successes, and we continue to evolve to improve ourselves and our profession.

Recruiting

We seek candidates with an array of diverse backgrounds and experiences. In all areas of the firm, we aim to have teams with the skills and experience to represent the communities we serve. We continually find ways to get to know one another and to appreciate every team member – this lifts all of us up.

Retention

Our inclusive culture makes people comfortable and want to stay, and we nurture it by:

Being mindful of opportunities for advancement for all employees in whatever role team members have at work and in the community
Being intentional about bringing people across the firm together as part of teams and committees to build stronger connections
Supporting affinity groups and their goals for fostering connections across our firm, camaraderie for all team members, and a more inclusive workplace
Redesigning our workspace to celebrate and promote collaboration

We offer a wide array of benefits and professional development to give people choices in the opportunities and resources they find most meaningful, to assist all our team members in reaching their full potential.

Community Outreach

Firm founder Jerry Kahn often said, “You have to find your passion in your neighborhood.”

Our people do that every day, and they are deeply supported by the firm. We also focused on expanding our client base and suppliers as we strengthen and broaden our connection to our communities.

Learn more

Building the Pipeline

Our vision for a welcoming workplace extends beyond our doors to the legal profession as a whole.

We are invested in strengthening the legal community in Wisconsin. We're ensuring talented people with varied perspectives and experiences have opportunities to enter the profession.

Corporate Work Study Program

Since 2009, we have partnered with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and Carmen High School of Science & Technology, schools serving students from families with limited financial means and known for their innovative work-study programs. Students are immersed in a variety of our teams throughout their school-year internships. The mentoring and insights high school students gain through this real-world experience helps shape their interests and direction for the future.

All-In Milwaukee

Starting in 2020, the firm made a commitment to sponsor students in this comprehensive college completion program. All-In Milwaukee is strengthening the region by providing financial aid, program, and career support to help limited-income students graduate and find their future in the Greater Milwaukee workforce.

Amazing Shake Program, Milwaukee College Prep

Our volunteer judge roles fill quickly each year for this innovative national program. In preparation for this speed-networking-style competition, students learn and polish their professional skills, from a good handshake to “working the room.” We love giving students the chance to put their skills to the test and having conversations that may open their eyes to new roles and career paths.

We're Proud to Be Partners With Organizations Such As:

Please wait while we gather your results.

What makes our culture stand out?

I value the firm's commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. The emphasis on employee mental health, physical health, and financials are incredible. I admire the great strides Godfrey & Kahn takes in taking care of their people.

-- Anonymous insight from the survey that’s earned us 16 years of Top Workplace recognition

What part of our annual all-firm event made the biggest impact?

I appreciated the firm's desire to highlight and showcase every single person within Godfrey & Kahn. From acknowledging new hires to work milestones and retirements, it was clear that the firm wanted to make everyone feel seen and appreciated. Very nice event.

-- Insight shared in our post-event employee feedback survey

What stood out to you about the people at Godfrey & Kahn?

I think that the firm does a great job of picking awesome people. The culture is very welcoming, and that's the best selling point.

-- A summer associate's reflection on their time with us