Locke Lord Statement Condemning Violence Against Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

The emergence of the coronavirus has led to an increase in acts of hate and discrimination targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.  At Locke Lord, not only do we not condone these acts, we abhor them.  As a Firm, we stand united with the AAPI community and reject any form of violence, racism, and discrimination in whatever form it displays itself.  

The escalation of violence and hate crimes visited upon the AAPI community is unfortunately only the latest in a history of attacks.  According to the Stop AAPI Hate National Report, since March 2020, the escalation of violence against AAPI individuals in the United States has resulted in approximately 4,000 anti-Asian hate crimes.  However, this number only reflects what has been reported.  

As a law firm, it is our job in moments like this to listen to each other, especially our AAPI colleagues, clients, friends, and neighbors, and continue intensifying our efforts to counteract racism and advance the principles of diversity and inclusion.  We applaud and agree with the recent joint statement from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association, National Association of Women Lawyers, National Bar Association, National Filipino American Lawyers Association, National LGBT Bar Association, National Native American Bar Association, and the South Asian Bar Association of North America collectively condemning the most recent acts of hate and vowing to utilize their resources and experiences to assist those in need.  So too, we at Locke Lord pledge to do the same.

We are proud of the work we have done in the past year to further realize our core value of diversity and inclusion within our Firm, including our participation in the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance, but we know we can and must do better both in maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and ‎injustice, as well as helping to make this nation, as a whole, one that is safe for all.  To that end, we are committed to taking the following actions to further realize these values:

• Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month in May through the creation of a tailored program elevating the stories of the AAPI community.  The program will include panels, articles, and other content created by our AAPI employees, clients, and peers. Firm employees also will be encouraged to attend Bystander Intervention Virtual Trainings, hosted through Hollaback! partnered with Asian Americans Advancing Justice, throughout the year.
• Pledging monetary commitments to organizations focused on combatting anti-Asian hate.
• Continuing our support and sponsorship of NAPABA and SABA and find ways to strengthen our existing partnerships with them and similar professional and advocacy organizations through pro bono efforts. 

Locke Lord remains committed to joining the fight against racial hatred and injustice.