A Message on the Continued Fight for Equality in the Criminal Justice System

On April 20, 2021, a Minnesota jury delivered long-awaited justice convicting former police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd. We applaud those public servants that worked tirelessly to achieve this verdict. We also applaud the jurors who did their civic duty in a case of such national importance.

Having said this, we all must remain cognizant that the verdict is still an early step. There is much work to be done in making sure all of our communities are policed in a fair and just manner, and that when these tragic incidents do occur, the appropriate individuals are held accountable.

Lerch Early stands by our commitment to do our part as a firm to advocate for and support social justice and meaningful change in the criminal justice system, and will continue to fight the effects of systemic racism in our workplace and community.

Lerch Early Names Juneteenth a Permanent Firm Holiday in June 2020

Protests against racial and social injustice continue around the world first in response to the murder of George Floyd and now the most recent, tragic incident in Atlanta. The effects of these tragedies and others, past and present, have impacted African American families and communities for generations. To counter these injustices, we must advance and celebrate the many benefits of a diverse society.

To this end, Lerch Early is designating Juneteenth – June 19th now and in the future – as a paid firm holiday. We are encouraging our LEB family to take time to reflect on issues of racism and social injustice, and to actively become agents of positive change. Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when word of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation (issued on January 1, 1863) finally reached Texas, declaring the freedom of the last U.S. slaves in a Confederate state.

We understand our Firm’s responsibility does not stop with celebrating Juneteenth. This is just the beginning. Our Diversity Committee is developing plans and assembling resources to help us promote and protect a culture of inclusion in our internal leadership ranks, in our collaboration with clients, and in our hiring practices.

Please join Lerch Early in facing the injustices of the past and present, and in making every effort to effect meaningful and permanent change.

For more, check out the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion page.