Crowell & Moring Names Don Smith Firm’s First Chief Talent & Inclusion Officer

Washington – August 27, 2019: Crowell & Moring has tapped Don Smith to serve as the firm’s first Chief Talent & Inclusion Officer to lead the firm’s lawyer recruiting, professional development, and diversity and inclusion efforts.

“We are delighted that Don will be the first to serve in this new, essential role for our firm,” said Philip T. Inglima, Crowell & Moring chair. “We are confident that Don will continue to make enduring contributions to the advancement of diversity, inclusion, and professional development both within our firm and the broader legal community.”

“Crowell & Moring has a rich and innovative history of fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and the firm’s decision to integrate this role into its leadership ranks is a testament to that commitment,” said Smith, who has served as the firm’s Senior Director of Talent & Inclusion for the past year. “I look forward to continuing to ensure that every attorney and professional staff member has access to the requisite tools and opportunities needed for their success.”

Prior to joining Crowell & Moring, Smith served as the Director of Professional Development and Diversity at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, where he previously practiced law. He is also the immediate past chair of the board of directors for the Professional Development Consortium.

“Don has extensive experience making a measurable difference in diversity and inclusion and professional development and he is uniquely suited to lead these efforts at the highest level,” said Ellen Moran Dwyer, chair of Crowell & Moring’s Executive Committee. “Don’s leadership is helping us become a stronger and better firm.” 

Crowell & Moring released its second-annual Diversity & Inclusion Report earlier this year, which highlights the firm’s efforts and successes in diversity and inclusion over the past year to ensure that it offers a welcoming and inclusive workplace to employees of all backgrounds. The report details sponsorship programs that invest in the professional development and success of female and diverse attorneys, strategic initiatives that help recruit, retain, and promote female and diverse lawyers, and the firm’s adoption of the Mansfield Rule 2.0 initiative.

Smith earned his J.D. from Howard University School of Law, and received his B.A. in political science from the University of California, Berkeley.

About Crowell & Moring LLP

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with approximately 550 lawyers representing clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory, and transactional matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity. The firm has offices in Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, London, and Brussels.