Inclusion and Equity

2021 Diversity Scholarship

Established in 2005, this scholarship includes a $7,500 award to be applied to the recipient’s law school tuition, together with a paid summer associate position at the firm. The scholarship is awarded annually to a first-year student selected based on his or her academic record, professional accomplishments and other factors that indicate promise for a successful career in the legal profession.

Eligibility: To be eligible for the Diversity Scholarship, the applicant must be a full-time currently enrolled 1L law student who is in good standing at an accredited law school. First-year students who are members of populations historically underrepresented in the legal profession are encouraged to apply

• Learn more about the 2020 Diversity Scholarship Winner
• Download the 2021 Diversity Scholarship Application and FAQs (Applications for 2021 are now closed.)

Education and Awareness

Throughout the year, the firm hosts speakers and presentations that provide insight and awareness on a range of topics including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights, LGBTQ rights, racism, and other important issues.

Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Student Essay Contest
The firm sponsors the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Student Essay Contest in the Rochester City School District. Students in the third, fourth and fifth grades are asked to submit essays about what Martin Luther King, Jr. Day means to them. Attorneys and staff at the firm will select the finalists and vote on the winning essays and one winner will be selected in each grade level.  

Social Responsibility and Community Involvement

We have decades of involvement and financial support for organizations that serve our diverse communities including these initiatives:

YWCA Empowering Women Luncheon

We sponsor tables at the annual YWCA’s Empowering Women Luncheon, which features keynote speakers sharing stories of the strength and achievement of women. The funds raised through the luncheon help the YWCA provide housing and support services for over 1000 women and families each year.

Stand Against Racism Campaign

HSE has participated in the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism for the past several years. Stand Against Racism is a signature campaign of YWCA USA to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities.

Spread the Word to End the Word Awareness Program

We have joined organizations such as Special Olympics and Best Buddies to “Spread the Word to End the Word”, a program which raises awareness about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed).” The Spread the Word movement asks people to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people.

Commitment to Community

HSE encourages and supports attorney involvement in professional and community-based diversity organizations. Below are just a few examples of the many organizations the firm and our attorneys support, both financially and with service.

• Minority Bar Foundation of Western New York

• Buffalo Urban League Membership and Annual Awards Dinner

• Empire Justice Center

• Human Rights Campaign

• National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York

• Seneca Nation Athletic Dinner (Hall of Fame)

• The Minority Bar Association of Western New York Annual Scholarship Dinner

• The Minority Corporate Counsel Association Annual Conference

• The National Bar Association

• Western New York Black MBA Association Annual Meeting

Sheldon K. Smith, a Litigation partner in the Buffalo office (who also frequently works out of the Corning and New York City offices), was selected for inclusion into The National Black Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers in New York. The National Black Lawyers is a professional and educational organization comprised of the nation’s premier African American attorneys. The selection for this high honor is based on a multi-phase process that includes peer nominations and third-party research. The result is a credible and comprehensive list of the most outstanding African American lawyers in the country.
Click here to view the The National Black Lawyers Names Sheldon K. Smith to its List of Top 100 Lawyers in New York press release.

John G. Horn, a Litigation partner and Partner in Charge of the firm’s Buffalo office, was elected in early 2020 by the Minority Bar Foundation of Western New York to serve on its board of directors. The Minority Bar Foundation of Western New York was formed in 2004 to advance education and scholarship in the field of law. The Foundation works to ensure continued minority representation in the profession and empower these future leaders to help shape the justice system in Western New York and throughout New York State. The Foundation provides professional guidance, educational programs and financial assistance through grants to students beginning in college through law school.
Click here to view the John G. Horn Elected as a Minority Bar Foundation Director press release.

In 2017, HSE was awarded the Diversity Award by the Western New York Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York during the association’s annual awards ceremony. We were the first recipient of the Award that recognizes individuals or organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting full and equal participation in the legal profession through the encouragement and involvement of women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and/or persons of differing sexual orientations and gender identities. 
Click here to view the Harter Secrest & Emery Receives Diversity Award from WNY Chapter of Women’s Bar Association press release.

Nurturing Diversity

Workforce Diversity Network
HSE is a member of the Workforce Diversity Network, which is a network of professionals and organizations dedicated to being a catalyst to enhance professional development, understanding, promotion and management of diversity and inclusion as an essential part of business success. The WDN states as its primary focus, the creation of a learning community in the business world to address diversity and its benefits. As a member company, HSE partners with WDN by hosting meetings and participating as sponsors of signature events.