Our Commitment to Diversity
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are Baked into the Culture at Burris Law
We did not set out to become a diverse firm. We naturally became one. By encouraging our team members to unapologetically bring their whole selves to work without worry about judgment or criticism, we have created an environment where people of all backgrounds and identities can be themselves and succeed.
Our mission is to provide world class IP services from a diverse and passionate team of professionals who represent the growing talent within the technology industry. We continue to build a culture where each team member can be themselves and have a voice.
Our vision is to be the most impactful, diverse, “go to” IP law firm. We will consistently contribute as individuals and as a firm to the community. We will inspire underrepresented people to join our profession and our Firm.
Scholarships
We have consistently provided, and will continue to provide, scholarships through a number of diverse organizations.
Through its strong ties to NAMWOLF (National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms) Burris Law sponsored a Joel Stern Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Pipeline Scholarship in 2021 and then two of the same scholarships in 2022
The NAMWOLF Joel Stern Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pipeline Scholarship ($10,000 each) seeks to provide financial support to students who contribute to the diversity of their law school student body as they pursue their legal career. The NAMWOLF Pipeline Diversity Scholarship program is open to second- and third-year African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, LGBT and female students. Any other second- and third-year law students who come from backgrounds that would add to the cause of diversity, regardless of race or gender, are eligible to apply.
Our firm also sponsors NAMWOLF conferences and we play an active role in the IP Practice Area Committee and the Cross-Marketing Committee.
JUNE 2022 – Burris Law sponsored the 2022 Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation $2,500 Scholarship that was awarded to Wayne State University junior and future engineer Ashley Jones
Ashley is studying mechanical engineering with the intent to work in product development to apply her passion for automotive technology to evaluate and test new features.
While in high school, Ashley took classes in small engine and automotive technology and spent two years in the Ford High School Homologation Science and Technology Program. In the summer of 2021, she interned with Performance Driven Workforce as a driver for Ford’s Voice of Customer Fleet, evaluating new launch vehicles, which led to an ongoing part-time position. This summer, she is interning with Ford Motor Company in product development, specifically Vehicle Integration Systems Engineering.
Pipeline Educational Programs
AUGUST 2022 – Burris Law sponsored and presented at the 2022 Warrior’s College Experience Residential Camp at Wayne State University. The event brought together rising juniors and seniors from across Detroit to apply STEM knowledge to come up with ideas that address some of today’s most pressing healthcare issues, such as chronic illness prevention and management.
Burris Law introduced students to the concept of intellectual property and the variety of ways IP can be protected. Our presentation included an interactive seminar on IP followed by an activity there the students brainstormed ways to protect a product by a fictional company.
Awards
AUGUST 2021 – Corp! Magazine selected Burris Law as a Diversity Focused Company honoree for its 2021 Salute to Diversity Awards.
Corp! Magazine is Michigan’s only statewide business publication dedicated to business owners and C-Suite leaders. The print and digital publications are a resource for Michigan businesses by providing breaking business news, COVID-19 guidelines, best practices, economic trends and everything a CEO needs to know. A small business itself, Corp! Magazine is a certified WBENC, a woman-owned business.
For more than a decade, Corp! has recognized businesses, organizations, and leaders who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and achievements within their organization or the community. Corp! Magazine’s Salute to Diversity is an educational event and awards celebration that features networking and insightful speakers who share best practices on ways to move the needle on diversity, equity, and inclusion in business.
The efforts and achievements of the honorees celebrated are demonstrated through specific work with individuals, groups or through a specific product, initiative, innovative program or activity that has a visible, tangible, or measurable impact on the perception of, attitude toward, and respect for a truly inclusive environment, where individuals are valued for their talent and ability to reach their full potential.
APRIL 2021 – Firm founder and owner Kelly Burris was named a finalist in the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America 2021, in the category of “Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year.”
The Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Award shines a spotlight on role models and trailblazers in pro bono and corporate social responsibility as well as inclusion. The honor celebrates the achievements of firms and individuals who are furthering the advancement of diversity and inclusion across the USA and Canada.
Organizations
Burris Law is an active member of NAMWOLF, we are certified as a Women Owned Business through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and we have recently become members of ADAPT, an industry collective collective of corporate legal teams, law firms and industry groups who came together to address: How can we measure the impact of industry DEI efforts over time?
Burris Law embraces the LGBTQ community, as we have proud attorney members of this group and are members of the Detroit LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Diverse Suppliers and Vendors
Burris Law also places a priority on, and seeks out diverse companies to partner with for all of our business needs.