2024 Culture Report
By definition, an organization’s culture encompasses a shared system of beliefs and values. Buchanan’s culture is one that prioritizes community, respect and inclusion. With these values deeply rooted in our infrastructure, we can ensure a sustainable, long-lasting commitment to our employees: Buchanan will continue to be a workplace where everyone is supported and encouraged to succeed.
2024 was a year of significant growth for our firm. As we carry that momentum into a new year, our culture and sense of community remain at the forefront of our strategy. Our success — as a law firm and on behalf of our clients — is interconnected to our ability to create an environment that uplifts employees and celebrates what makes them unique. By encouraging a workplace that welcomes diversity of all kinds, we lean into our creativity and perform at our best.
We are grateful to our clients and partners for their support and shared commitment to advancing diversity & inclusion across the profession. Through ongoing collaboration we will create meaningful progress and make a legal career rewarding to future generations.
I especially want to thank my Buchanan colleagues. Your dedication to embodying our firm values brings our culture to life. Together, we will continue to make our workplace one that each of us is proud to call our own.
James Newell
Chairman and CEO
We foster a genuine sense of belonging where everyone feels supported and offer unique development opportunities that ignite growth and fuel innovation.
0%
of employees would recommend Buchanan as an employer to their friends
0%
of employees feel they can bring their whole selves to work
0%
of employees feel that Buchanan's culture fosters a comfortable, supportive work environment
The culture we nurture at Buchanan is unique, especially for a national firm. It starts at the top and our leadership sets the tone and genuinely cares about the firm’s employees."
Jennifer Olmedo-Rodriguez
Shareholder
Head of the Miami Office and Board Member
As I considered joining Buchanan in early 2024, I was impressed by the firm’s attorneys and management. As I spoke to practice leaders, I was drawn to their intelligence, community involvement and commitment to technical development."
Andrew Parsons
Associate
Expanding Our Reach: Buchanan's Newest Affinity Groups
In 2024, we launched two new Affinity Groups, furthering our commitment to an inclusive workplace. These groups provide dedicated spaces for connection, support and advocacy for our first-generation employees and allies, and employees with disabilities and allies. This expansion reflects our ongoing dedication to fostering a culture where every voice is heard and valued!
Buchanan A.S.C.E.N.D. supports employees who are first-generation college graduates, first-generation professionals, those from working-class backgrounds and allies.
Buchanan B.R.A.V.E. supports our employees who are veterans, currently serving in the armed forces and allies.
Buchanan B.O.L.D. supports our employees of color and allies.
Buchanan C.A.R.E. supports our employees who are caregivers, working parents and allies.
Buchanan E.N.A.B.L.E. supports employees with visible and invisible disabilities and allies.
Buchanan N.O.W. supports employees who identify as women and allies.
Buchanan P.R.I.D.E. supports employees who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies.
Sarina Aghazadeh-Alavi
South Asian Bar Association of Philadelphia
David Eapen
South Asian Bar Association of Philadelphia
Rhonda Fulginiti
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Charlene Barker Gedeus
Philadelphia Diversity Law Group
Fayezeh Haji Hassan
Allegheny County Bar Association
David Idokogi
The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia
Tina Hu-Rodgers
Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
Peter Russ
Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition
One Team, Many Wins
Supporting and celebrating each other's successes is fundamental to our firm culture. We're always there to cheer each other on, from bar events to award ceremonies.
Carly Barnes
30 Under 30
Pittsburgh Business Times
Joseph Centeno
Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award
National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
Jorge De La Hoz
40 Under 40
Miami Dade Bar Young Lawyers Section
Lloyd Freeman
Mel Narol Excellence in Diversity
New Jersey State Bar Association
Michelle Garvey Brennfleck
Women & Business Award
Pittsburgh Magazine
Leslie Wager Hudock
BusinessWoman of the Year
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Jennifer Minter
Women, Influence & Power in Law – Collaborative Leadership
Corporate Counsel
Craig Mills
Veterans in Business
Philadelphia Business Journal
Chris Warren
New Leaders of the Bar
New Jersey Law Journal
Leigh Whitaker
Women of Influence Honoree
Philadelphia Business Journal
Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
We empower our attorneys' professional development through our active partnership with the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD). From Pathfinder and Fellow Program nominations to mentoring the next generation of professionals, we collaborate with LCLD to advance diversity & inclusion at Buchanan and beyond.
Introducing Buchanan’s 2024 LCLD Fellow and Pathfinders
Dan Lazaro
David Eapen
Nyasha Al Pendleton
LCLD Rising Star Award Winner,
Tina-Hu Rodgers
In June, Tina Hu-Rodgers (2021 Fellow) was awarded the LCLD 2024 Rising Star award which honors a recent alum who exemplifies the organization’s mission of leadership, action and results.
The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity has had an incredible impact on my life – both personally and professionally. As part of the Fellows program, I not only learned invaluable lessons on networking, brand building and leadership, but also formed lasting friendships and connections that have led to business opportunities that have helped to advance my career.”
Tina Hu-Rodgers
Shareholder
Life Sciences Industry Group Co-Leader
This year, we celebrated our third annual Miami Externship Program, an initiative developed by Buchanan attorneys Jennifer Olmedo-Rodriguez and Jorge De La Hoz.
Receiving a scholarship from Barristers' will not only alleviate the financial burden of law school expenses but also allow me to be fully engaged in my studies and pursue my dreams. I am thankful to Barristers’ and Buchanan for the opportunity to represent them and am driven to continue to resemble the dedication they both embody."
Arielle Jackson
J.D. Candidate & 2025 Summer Associate
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
The Corporate Share Program provided me with the unique opportunity to see how in-house counsel operate alongside a firm. I was able to gain insight as to what work in-house counsel is able to do themselves and what work they require firms to do. The program also gave me the chance to establish meaningful connections with attorneys who operate outside of the firm setting. Overall, the Corporate Share Program provided me with valuable experience that I can employ as I start my own legal career."
Jason Meuth
J.D. Candidate & 2024 Summer Associate
William & Mary Law School
Want to learn more about Buchanan’s Summer Associate Program?
IN 2024
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Webinars
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Attendees
The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Incorporated was proud to have Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney serve as our 2023-2024 Corporate Sponsor…. In prioritizing diversity, Buchanan has helped to create a more equitable legal profession. We’re excited to continue working together and look forward to ways we can partner to further these important efforts."
Kristin J. Johnson
Immediate Past President
The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Inc.
Making a Difference
Civic engagement is fundamental to who we are at Buchanan. Through our Pro Bono Committee, our attorneys are encouraged to contribute at least 50 hours annually, aligning with the American Bar Association's Model Rule 6.1, providing vital legal services to those in need.
$0M+
in pro bono services donated
0
pro bono hours donated
0
pro bono clients supported
I have had the honor of a lifetime to work on some very special and unique pro bono matters at Buchanan where I have helped change and save the lives of several individuals. It is an experience and an outcome I am forever grateful for."
Christine Alden
Shareholder
2024 Buchanan Pro Bono Award Recipient
Buchanan’s Supplier Diversity Program
Through our supplier diversity program, we support businesses owned by women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, our Affinity Groups actively promote diverse restaurants during heritage and identity awareness months.
0
women/underrepresented owned businesses
supported since 2020
$0M+
spent with women/underrepresented owned businesses since 2020
Through the connections established with Buchanan, we gained exposure to key decision-makers and were able to open doors to additional business and opportunities.”
Sharmarro Leak
CEO of Sallicious Catering
Buchanan & United Way: Partnering for Community Impact
Buchanan is a long-time supporter of the United Way, partnering on various initiatives to uplift our local communities. From volunteering at events like Build a Bike to mentoring students and serving in leadership roles, our team is dedicated to making a difference. Our annual United Way campaign, amplified by the firm's matching program, empowers our colleagues to contribute to positive change for families, children and veterans across our national footprint.
United Way’s relationship with Buchanan is a story of generosity stretching back for decades. Relationships like this make it possible for us to invest in meeting basic needs, moving people to financial stability and building for success in school and life. In addition to generous financial contributions, Buchanan colleagues have been deeply engaged as board members, co-chairs of leadership donor and fundraising committees and helped to launch initiatives that are now at the bedrock of our work in education, workforce and out-of-school time programs.”
Bobbi Watt Geer, PH.D
President and CEO
United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Certifications
Awards
Building Towards Tomorrow
2024 was a year of immense growth and exciting progress for Buchanan and we're incredibly proud of all that we accomplished together. Building on this momentum, we're looking forward to an even brighter future in 2025. We'll continue to invest in our people, strengthen our community partnerships and deepen our commitment to diversity & inclusion. We're confident that by working together, we will achieve even greater things in the year ahead.
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