As Big Law increasingly recognizes the mission-critical business necessity of diversity, equity and inclusion, Am Law 100 firm DLA Piper has taken steps to place DEI more central to its talent management, firm culture and client relations.

Lenora Ausbon-Odom, the firm’s director of professional development, has been named chief talent development and inclusion officer, while and Edward “Smitty” Smith, a leader in its Washington, D.C., office and regulatory practice, has been named national diversity and inclusion partner.