Bowditch & Dewey’s commitment to diversity is demonstrated through its programs and policies and the firm’s active involvement in and support of its surrounding communities.

Internal Programs

• Diversity Training - The Diversity Committee organizes diversity training sessions for attorneys and staff to facilitate respectful workplace relations and promote increased awareness and understanding of our differences and similarities. 
• Balanced Hours Policy
• Women’s Initiative
• Mentor Program

Pro Bono and Civic Involvement

• Many of the firm’s attorneys provide pro bono services to individuals who would otherwise not be able to obtain quality legal representation. One particular matter of note is Sophie C. Currier, et al v. National Board of Medical Examiners, which is currently on appeal, where a number of attorneys in the firm devoted countless pro-bono hours to a case involving the rights of women who are nursing.
• Several of the firm’s attorneys are active in minority bars and community associations, including the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association, the Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts, the Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts and the Women’s Bar Foundation.  All women attorneys in the firm are provided membership in the Women’s Bar Association.
• The firm’s attorneys and staff are involved with many community organizations that have a diversity-related component or purpose, including Female Leadership Interest Council, Memorial Foundation for the Blind, People in Peril and Center for Living & Working.
• The firm is a frequent host and/or sponsor of diversity-related events and programs including, but not limited to the following:
  
  • Alliance for MetroWest Unity’s John P. Garrahan MetroWest Community Prayer Breakfast;
  • Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Evening of Hope Dinner/Fundraiser;
  • Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts;
  • Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts Annual Asian Festival;
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast;
  • United Way of Central Massachusetts’ Stepping Up for Girls; and
  • Fundraisers by the Women’s Bar Association and the Women’s Bar Foundation.
  • YWCA's Stand Against Racism
    
• Every holiday season, the firm’s paralegals and trust officers, in partnership with The Worcester County Comprehensive Childcare Services, lead an effort that provides gifts to around 30 of the communities’ neediest children, many of whom are minorities. The firm also donates gifts predominately to minority children through its partnership with South Middlesex Opportunity Council. 
• Each year, the firm hosts a career training event for the Worcester Judicial Youth Corps, a seven week internship program designed for urban high school students which introduces them to the court system.

 Internships and Externships

• Bruce Wells Scholars Summer Work Study Program - The firm provides a worksite for high school students.
• The Nelson Fellowship Program - This is an educational summer program for public school students living in Boston, Worcester and Springfield. The firm provides students with the opportunity to learn more about the legal profession by meeting with attorneys, paralegals and staff.
• The Boston Lawyers Group Summer Internship Program 

Recent Awards and Recognition

• Greatest Proven Impact Award - Awarded to the firm in 2009 by Leading Women.  This is awarded to organizations that demonstrate a positive impact in advancing women.
• Good Guys Award - Awarded to Louis Ciavarra by the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus. This award honors men who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to achieving equality for women.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Ambassador for Massachusetts - The late James Wallace was appointed Ambassador by the Muscular Dystrophy Association for his commitment to the organization and major fundraising efforts.
• John Medbury, the firm's Executive Director, was selected to receive the Alexis de Tocqueville award from the United Way of Central Massachusetts. This award recognizes individuals for their leadership in caring about our community, their inspiration to others, their volunteer spirit and philanthropic values.