Earlier this week, North Carolina-based midsize firm Robinson Bradshaw was among a number of firms to earn the Compass Award designation from the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity for demonstrating a commitment to building a more diverse firm and a more inclusive legal profession.

Managing partner Allen Robertson said the firm got involved with LCLD in 2017 and has been making inroads to build a better pipeline for talent and expand its ability to recruit diverse attorneys. Robertson, whose firm has four offices spread across the Carolinas, spoke with the Daily Report about what it takes for midsize firms to diversify, how the hot talent market has affected Robinson Bradshaw’s recruiting efforts, and why going against the grain can make all the difference in retaining lawyers.