The global law firm of Thompson & Knight LLP has named Nichole Dotson-Olajuwon as Chief Diversity Officer. In her new role, Olajuwon will develop, implement, and oversee the Firm’s internal and external initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
“I am enormously excited about this new opportunity,” says Olajuwon. “Thompson & Knight already has one of the most well established and highly regarded programs for diversity and inclusion in the legal community. I look forward to building on this reputation as we continue to broaden our efforts in recruiting and retention and continue to support a culture that truly embraces this commitment.”
As an attorney with the Firm for the past six years, Olajuwon has focused on the practice of corporate and securities law, including the structure and completion of public and private securities offerings, compliance with securities regulations and SEC reporting obligations, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. In her new role, Olajuwon will concentrate solely on leading the Firm’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. Olajuwon received her law degree from South Texas College of Law and undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Nichole is an active member of the American Bar Association, Houston Bar Association, Houston Young Lawyers Association, NAACP, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
“Nichole is a dynamic young attorney who personifies the goals and aspirations of Thompson & Knight as a model for diversity and inclusion,” says Pete Riley, the Firm’s Managing Partner. “She has been actively involved in our efforts to address diversity issues during the past several years and brings a distinct perspective to these endeavors. She has the full support of our Firm, and we feel very fortunate that she has accepted these new responsibilities.”
In addition to appointing Olajuwon as Chief Diversity Officer, the Firm has formed a new Diversity and Inclusion Executive Committee. The nine-person committee, with representatives from several of the Firm’s offices, will support Olajuwon and offer leadership as the Firm continues to expand its diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Thompson & Knight’s commitment to diversity and inclusion focuses on the education and direction of its attorneys and support staff as well as clients, future attorneys, and other community organizations. In recognition of these efforts, Thompson & Knight is honored to be the recipient of the 2008 Ernst & Young Celebration of Diversity Award for “Workplace of the Year,” the Navistar Law Department Diversity Recognition Award, the Chevron Law Firm Diversity Recognition Award, a Top 100 Law Firm for Diversity by MultiCultural Law, a “Mother-Friendly Worksite” by the Texas Department of State Health Services, and a “Best Place to Work” by the Dallas Business Journal (for five consecutive years) and the Houston Business Journal.
About Thompson & Knight
Since 1887, Thompson & Knight LLP has consistently made a positive impact on its clients’ successes. With its practice focused on the energy industry, the Firm has extensive resources in litigation, tax, insolvency, and international energy matters. The Firm has approximately 420 attorneys, and has offices and alliances in North America, South America, Europe, and Africa. Thompson & Knight represents companies, government entities, and individuals in local, regional, and national markets around the world.
