June 3, 2021—In honor of Juneteenth, Barclay Damon LLP is providing a new annual holiday for the law firm’s attorneys and staff. The day off is intended to give attorneys and staff an opportunity to take action in support of the Black community, learn more about Black history and current issues, and enjoy Black culture. This year, with June 19, the day of the holiday, falling on a Saturday, the firm will close on the preceding Friday.
Connie Cahill, Barclay Damon’s managing partner, said, “As a new addition to our roster of firm-sponsored diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which includes our Black Employees Affinity Network, we’re pleased to provide this new day off. We suggest our attorneys and staff use the time to reflect on personal experiences with racism, support Black-owned businesses, volunteer with a civil-rights organization, or delve into a movie or book from our ‘Anti-Racism Resources’ list. Many of these activities are perfect to share with children and other family and friends, and we encourage our employees to enjoy an enriching day with loved ones.”
“I’m proud to be part of a firm,” said Sheila Gaddis, chair of Barclay Damon’s Diversity Partner Committee, “that recognizes the importance of our day-to-day choices and actions in building a more inclusive community and that is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the firm, the legal profession, and the larger society. Working together, we’ll keep taking steps—large and small—to ensure we move toward a brighter future with equity for all.”
Last year, the firm provided an early closing time for Juneteenth and lit one of the firm’s signature buildings, Barclay Damon Tower in Syracuse, New York, with “BLM” in honor of the Black Lives Matter movement and the holiday.
This year, Barclay Damon Tower will again be lit with “BLM” at the top. Other portions of the building will be lit red, white, and blue. The lighting is done in partnership with Black-owned sign vendor Ariella and will be on view throughout Juneteenth weekend.
Barclay Damon attorneys team across offices and practices to provide customized, targeted solutions grounded in industry knowledge and a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses. With nearly 300 attorneys, Barclay Damon is a leading law firm that operates from a strategic platform of offices located in the Northeastern United States and Toronto. For more information, visit our award-winning website at barclaydamon.com.