Culture@Carmody

Our Culture@Carmody initiative seeks to:

  • Foster increased diversity among Carmody lawyers and staff.
  • Lead the development of an inclusive culture.
  • Support the efforts of clients and community partners in striving to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in their sector.

Carmody’s vision of diversity encompasses age, ability, veteran status, racial or ethnic background, LGBTQ+ identity, national origin, socioeconomic background, religion, neurodiversity, gender identity and diversity of thought, beliefs, and perspectives.

This vision aligns with Carmody’s commitment to creating the best and brightest teams that are free from discrimination or bias.  

Carmody’s culture of inclusion and excellence and has been recognized with a Firm Excellence Award by the Northeast Black Law Students Association in 2025.  Carmody was also recognized by “Top Workplaces” as the top mid-sized employer in Connecticut in 2024. 

Action

Carmody has hosted numerous programs and events to educate and support our teams, as well as future generations of legal professionals, including:

  • Hosted the New England Black Law Students Association CT-Sub Region Academic Retreat in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025
  • A “Safe Space Training: Common LGBTQIA+ Terminology and Inclusive Language” presented by Stamford Pride
  • “A Half-Century of Changing Attitudes on LGBTQI+ Rights in Connecticut” led by Former State Representative Joseph Grabarz Jr.
  • Collaborated with the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association to host a panel discussing how legislation affects Black communities, which included representatives from the state Senate, Connecticut Public Defenders’ Office, and the Greater Hartford Chapter of the NAACP
  • Wellness programming and initiatives that encourage lawyers and staff to prioritize their mental, physical and emotional health

Engagement

  • Carmody is a founding member of Connecticut’s statewide Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity (“LCD”) and continues to support its mission to create a more diverse group of law school bound students.
  • Carmody supports the work of New Haven Promise, Waterbury Promise, and Stamford’s Mayor’s Youth Employment Program by offering internship opportunities to students who have not previously had access to careers in the legal industry.
  • Carmody lawyers and staff are active in the CBA’s Diversity & Inclusion Pledge and Plan Signatories’ Group, and the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity & Inclusion Council. We also support the work of affinity bar associations through membership, event attendance and meaningful sponsorships, including:
    • Connecticut Asian Pacific American Bar Association
    • Connecticut Italian American Bar Association
    • George W. Crawford Black Bar Association
    • National Black Lawyers
    • National Italian American Bar Association
    • Northeast Black Law Students Association
    • South Asian Bar Association of Connecticut

Carmody lawyers and staff support various events in the community through donations, sponsorships, and attendance including:

  • The Clifford Beers Autism Services & Resources Connecticut’s Walk for Autism & Resource Fair
  • The Greater New Haven Walk to End Alzheimer’s
  • A Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County’s Corporate Team Build Day
  • Stamford Boys & Girls Club Corporate 5k
  • Mattatuck Museum Brass Button Award

Opportunity

Carmody is dedicated to providing opportunities for all in the legal profession, and constantly work to support a diverse pipeline of applicants for all positions.

  • Carmody recruits on campus through UConn Law School’s Early Careers Initiative and through the New England Black Law Student Association’s annual job fair, among other sources.
  • Carmody offers seasonal internship programs for students with no prior law firm experience, who are interested in pursuing a career in the law.
  • Carmody’s hiring and recruitment programs are free from bias, and consistently reviewed to ensure they reflect current best practices. 

For more information on recruitment and hiring, visit our Careers Opportunities page.

The Culture@Carmody team comprises lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants, and members of the firm’s administrative and operations teams with meetings that are open to all. The team is led by Managing Partner Fatima Lahnin (she/her/hers), Co-chair Amanda C. Nugent (she/her/hers), and Co-chair Brittany Turner (she/her/hers).

Please contact Amanda Nugent for more information.