SARASOTA, TAMPA, FL - During Women’s History Month, two of Shumaker’s women attorneys are being selected to promote diversity in the legal profession. It’s a crucial effort in the goal to have more women attorneys rise to the top.

The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) is adding Samantha Peckham to the 2022 Pathfinder Program and Jade Davis to the 2022 Fellows Program. 

“Jade Davis and Samantha Peckham are exceptional attorneys and future leaders. As part of the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are pleased and honored that Jade and Samantha will participate in the LCLD’s 2022 Fellows and Pathfinders programs,” said Shumaker’s Chairman and Toledo Managing Partner Tom Dillon. “Jade and Samantha are strong representatives of our firm and will be very valuable contributors to the LCLD’s leadership programs.”

According to the American Bar Association, the percentage of women attorneys was 37 percent in 2021, despite the fact that women make up 52 percent of law school students. The LCLD wants to change that. The organization selects diverse, early-career leaders, like Samantha and Jade, to connect them with mentors and training so they can achieve the highest levels of success.

“Retaining more women in the legal profession is essential. I am honored to be selected to learn from the best and am committed to helping other women along the way,” Samantha said.

"The contours of our legal system are adapting to represent our nation's people," Jade said. "The first black woman nomination to our highest court exemplifies this sea change. As a multiracial woman and attorney, I understand the challenges firsthand. Opportunities like the LCLD are key in making a difference, and I am honored to be included in this year’s class.”

The LCLD is an organization of more than 400 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners who have pledged themselves to creating a truly diverse U.S. legal profession. The Fellows Program is designed to provide personal and professional development opportunities to diverse, high-potential, mid-career attorneys and during the seven-month Pathfinder program, attorneys participate in foundational leadership and relationship-building sessions.

Shumaker is committed to advancing women attorneys, and in addition, has an internal women’s leadership initiative called “She is Shumaker.”