Juneteenth is a celebration of black history and freedom that few in America had heard of until recently, if at all. Sadly, this includes Trump who scheduled a rally that day in a city (Tulsa/Greenwood) that had the most horrific racial hate crimes in our nation’s history. Trump’s ignorance indeed highlights the problem and insensitivity that exists in America.

At Hagens Berman, our core values are grounded in the principle that every individual – each and every individual – is equally worthy of respect and appreciation. We recognize the value that diversity and inclusion bring to our business and to our communities and we have a corresponding responsibility to speak up when our core values are undermined.

As members of the legal community, we bear a special and heightened responsibility. We understand that the rule of law requires that everyone, and especially those in power, be held accountable for their actions. Those who failed to protect or even recognize George Floyd’s human rights should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Hagens Berman stands in solidarity with all who lawfully seek justice for those who have been denied their civil liberties and human rights, and particularly when that denial has such tragic and irreversible consequences.

The leadership at HB has agreed that we will recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday. It should be a day to reflect on injustice in America and what we at HB can do about it.

We welcome ideas from our employees and look forward to contributing to help reverse the widespread injustice we have in America.

We also want others in our legal community to understand this is a day of reflection at HB. Employees have been directed to refrain from calls and email unless necessary and to use a Juneteenth out-of-office message.

Sincerely,

Managing Partner Steve W. Berman
on behalf of the firm’s Executive Committee