Employee engagement through volunteerism has always been at the core of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck’s culture. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the law firm identified ways for employees to safely help those in need. Efforts included firm-wide virtual food drives that supported local nonprofit organizations in each of their thirteen office communities; safely delivering donated meals prepared by the local restaurants to fire stations and hospitals; and small, COVID-19 protocol compliant, in-person outdoor projects to assist animal welfare groups who rely heavily on volunteers to provide services and support. In addition, the firm’s Pro Bono practice created a rapid response team of attorneys to help small businesses and nonprofits with navigating opportunities and the application process for the CARES Act and monitoring loans.
The firm has always had a culture that promotes health and wellness. Throughout the pandemic, the Employee Health and Wellness committee supported the mental and physical health of employees and families with creative programs. The committee developed virtual opportunities including a 5K, healthy cooking workshops, meditation courses and exercise classes. In response to employees’ needs for childcare and resources to engage their children the committee created the “Brownstein Buddies” program. The program was ten weeks of virtual classes (two classes per week) that consisted of subjects like art, music, dance and story time. The program was taught by employees’ older children for the younger kids. The program had a minimal price tag (gift cards to the older kids) but created some highly engaging sessions and the parents were very appreciative.