Jake R. McMillian has joined Detroit-based Dickinson Wright as its first-ever director of diversity and inclusion.
McMillian, who will be based out of the firm’s Chicago office, previously served in similar roles at two other multinational law firms. Covering more than 40 practice areas, Dickinson Wright has six Michigan offices in Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw in addition to locations across the U.S. and a Canadian office.
McMillian will work with senior firm leadership and the diversity and inclusion committee, which was established before his appointment, to address issues related to diverse attorney recruitment, retention, and promotion; organizational culture and equity; diversity program development; and community engagement. He will be responsible for implementing the committee’s 32-point action plan, as well as for bringing new diversity and Iiclusion programs and policies to the firm.
“Jake brings energy and experience in developing and implementing successful strategies to recruit, retain, and promote diverse lawyers and staff,” says Michael Hammer, CEO of Dickinson Wright. “We are confident Jake will further enhance our inclusive atmosphere and help us ensure that we are continuing to provide meaningful opportunities to our diverse personnel.”
He most recently served as assistant director of recruitment and outreach at the University of Illinois at Chicago John Marshall Law School.
McMillian also led diversity and inclusion initiatives at two law firms, where he oversaw national recruitment efforts for diverse attorneys, managed tracking strategies to monitor work allocation and advancement opportunities, and developed sponsorship and mentorship programs.
He is currently working on his Ed.D. in diversity and equity in education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. McMillian has a bachelors from Ottawa University and a juris doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law. He is a member of KC Legal and SAVE Inc.
