Diversity and Inclusion

At Bush Ross, we are committed to creating and upholding a workplace that values the contributions of every member of our team and appreciates the innovation that comes from diverse culture, background and perspectives. Accordingly, Bush Ross is dedicated to diversity initiatives and measures both within our firm and throughout our community. Our Diversity and Inclusion Committee is fundamental to our firm’s practice and integral in our firm leadership. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee works to support our firm’s objectives through mentorship programs, leadership opportunities, speaking engagements, quarterly luncheons and social events, as well as through community involvement. Our Diversity and Inclusion Committee consists of members from the firm’s Board of Directors, shareholders, associates, and administrative personnel.

Diversity is vital to the culture and success of Bush Ross, not only in identifying our client’s needs and achieving goals, but also by recognizing the strength of a diverse team in delivering quality service and excellent work product. Bush Ross is committed to respecting and fostering all forms of diversity including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. These efforts are seen in every aspect of our business model including attorney recruitment, retention, and professional development, and through the advancement of attorneys, administration, and staff. Our efforts to encourage diversity and inclusion continue to evolve each year as we continue to focus on developing and promoting talented individuals, while encouraging leadership and sponsorship within our community.   

Diversity and Inclusion in Action:  

Women’s Leadership Initiative

•   Incorporates a Mentorship Program that encourages excellence and provides 
    support, encouragement and opportunities for career growth
•   Encourages and advocates for continued commitment to diversity
•   Promotes Strategies for Work/Life Balance
•   Upholds Professional Development Strategies and Objectives

Involvement in Organizations:

The Women’s Leadership Initiative has supported various organizations, including:

•   Big Brothers Big Sisters
•   Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay
•   Children’s Home Society
•   Crossroads for Florida’s Kids
•   Florida Association of Women Lawyers
•   Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers
•   International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation
•   Straz Center for the Performing Arts
•   Tampa Chamber of Commerce

Many of our attorney’s serve as board members for these various community organizations, chair committees, and sponsor state-wide events that enhance and promote women in leadership.

Our Women Leaders:

Many of Bush Ross’s female attorneys are consistently recognized for their leadership roles and accomplishments within the legal profession and various community organizations. We have sixteen attorney’s currently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, twenty-three named on Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars programs, and sixteen named in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite. Our attorney’s regularly publish articles, are frequently selected as keynote speakers, and often present on issues involving diversity, professionalism, and their specific practice areas.

Bush Ross's Diversity and Inclusion Committee is Chaired by Astrid Guardado and Jennifer Chapman.