Diversity & Inclusion
Connell Foley’s forward-focused outlook, strengthened by our commitment to diversity and inclusion, helps us deliver lasting results for clients, our people and the communities we serve.
We believe our ongoing success is grounded in an inclusive environment that values a broad range of professional perspectives, skills and experiences, as well as the individual viewpoints our people bring to their work. By fostering a collaborative and dynamic culture, we strengthen our ability to meet complex client needs with sharp judgment, practical strategy and the strong business acumen that defines Connell Foley’s approach.
Through strong and clear leadership and emphasis on collaboration across offices and practice groups, the firm works to create an environment where attorneys can develop, contribute and advance over time. These efforts reflect a culture that honors a legacy of excellence while remaining focused on what’s next.
Inclusive Culture
Connell Foley is committed to maintaining an inclusive workplace in which professional development, leadership opportunities and firm participation are supported through thoughtful, transparent practices. We continually encourage v to engage in leadership, client service, business development and internal initiatives.
To advance Connell Foley’s longstanding commitment to an inclusive culture and professional growth, we seek to:
- foster a culture of inclusion where attorneys and professional staff with a broad range of professional perspectives, skills and experiences can contribute, collaborate and grow;
- encourage engagement with professional organizations, bar associations and community groups that strengthen relationships and broaden perspectives;
- support awareness, mentorship and professional development through educational programming and meaningful internal dialogue; and
- promote transparency, opportunity and long-term advancement through thoughtful leadership development, retention efforts and regular evaluation of our practices.
Diversity Committee
Our long-standing Diversity Committee includes a member of the Executive Committee, the chairs of the Women’s Initiative and Hiring Committee, and attorneys and professional staff from across the firm’s practices, offices and roles. The committee works with firm leadership to prioritize the resources needed to sustain an inclusive culture, support professional development and help attorneys thrive. Its initiatives include luncheon presentations and educational programs celebrating cultures and history, including Black History Month and Women’s History Month. This collaborative approach reflects our commitment to strategic leadership, ethical counsel and doing what is right.
Recruitment, Training & Mentoring
Connell Foley’s approach to recruitment, training and mentoring reflects a thoughtful, forward-focused commitment to excellence. We value qualities such as strong character, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity and capacity for growth, and we support attorneys through mentorship, professional development and opportunities to collaborate across disciplines. By investing in an inclusive and collegial environment, we help build a deep bench of attorneys prepared to contribute meaningfully over the long term.
All employment, professional development, leadership and firm-participation opportunities are administered on an equal-opportunity basis and evaluated using lawful, job-related and merit-based criteria, without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.
Affiliations
Rooted in New Jersey and active across the region’s legal and business communities, Connell Foley’s attorneys participate in legal, business and community organizations that support professional development, relationship-building and broader engagement. Individual involvement varies by attorney and may include membership, leadership, programming, sponsorship or other forms of participation. These organizations include:
- African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
- Commercial Real Estate Women of New Jersey (CREWNJ)
- National Association of Women Lawyers
- Leading Women Entrepreneurs
- Chief - Private Network for Women Leaders
- Garden State Bar Association
- German American Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia
- Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
- International Women’s Club of Philadelphia
- Irish American Bar Association of New Jersey
- Irish American Cultural Institute
- New Jersey Women Lawyers Association
- New Jersey Society of Women Environmental Professionals (NJSWEP)
- New Jersey Business and Industry Association - Women Business Leaders Council
- Shamrock Society of Bayonne
- United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
- USLAW NETWORK Women’s Connection
- USLAW NETWORK Foundation Partner Program
- Women Criminal Defense Attorneys of NJ
- Women's White Collar Defense Association
