The Author
Billy’s practice has also included representation of clients in a variety of appellate courts, including the Colorado Court of Appeals, the federal Fourth and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeals, the Virginia Supreme Court, and the South Dakota Supreme Court. Billy has tried cases in over 15 states over the lifetime of his career.
Focused and aggressive, Billy represents corporate clients in the variety of claims that arise in the business world. For his clients with interests in manufacturing, product distribution, and retail businesses, Billy has extensive experience defending against manufacturing, design defect, negligence, and breach of warranty claims.
Billy is the former Vice-chair of Moye White’s Trial Section and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Franchise & Distribution Group, representing franchisors in franchise disputes, and providing valuable advice regarding business development and sales, as well as offerings compliance. He is also active in representing clients in Colorado’s burgeoning brewing and distilling markets.
A true advocate, Billy protects the interests of his clients against claims of directors’ and officers’ liability, bad faith, negligence, and other torts. He also has extensive experience in cases involving real estate and associated transactions.
Billy provides exceptional counsel at trial, through appeal, and in mediation and arbitration proceedings. He has extensive experience before the state and federal courts in Colorado, and has represented clients in various federal courts throughout the country.
DEI Programs as a Source of Liability for Law Firms and Other Businesses
Whether internally or with clients, law firms should consider changes to programs that may still meet the goal of increasing underrepresented populations without running afoul of claims alleging racial discrimination. Creative solutions may be available, and attorneys should be discussing these options with their clients.
From a risk management perspective, law firms should engage in an internal review of their own DEI initiatives and programs. Practices and programs that were once compliant with applicable law may no longer be.
Abstract:
Two recent cases against international law firms point to this emerging trend in litigation that could have widespread implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. In the wake of this year’s U.S. Supreme Court opinion striking down the use of race in college admissions, there was much speculation about the impact these rulings might have outside of the academic context—and that remains an unanswered question. However, two recent cases filed against international law firms for their DEI fellowships could be indicators of the impact for law firms and other private businesses.