Hinshaw Partner D.L. Morriss Named to Crain’s Chicago Business 2021 Notable Black Leaders and Executives

The U.S. law firm Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is pleased to announce that partner D.L. Morriss was selected by Crain’s Chicago Business as a 2021 Notable Black Leader and Executive. In announcing the list, Crain's noted that by taking on new roles leading new or expanded diversity initiatives as companies vow to improve their practices in recruiting, hiring and retaining talent from diverse background, these leaders "are seizing the moment."

As Hinshaw’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Partner, Morriss manages all firmwide cultural initiatives and affinity groups, including Black, Asian, Hispanic, Women, Mediterranean, LGBTQ and Veterans groups. In addition, he was instrumental in helping the firm launch the Jewish Cultural Heritage Affinity Group. Morriss is also a member of the associate hiring and compensation committees, and leads the firmwide Diversity Committee. He oversees recruitment, retention, talent development, networking and leadership opportunities, and advancement of diverse attorneys.

In June, Morriss was strategic in the firm’s commitment to join Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Rule 5.0 certification process, which is designed to boost the representation of diverse lawyer candidates in law firm recruiting, promotion and leadership. He also was a driving force behind the firm’s launch of the “Hinshaw Black Attorneys Matter Referendum” following the racial awakening of 2020, which works to strengthen the firm’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, and integrate diversity into client experiences. In addition, he is actively involved in building the firm’s strategic partnerships to support educational opportunities for diverse youth, including City Year of Chicago.

"We are delighted that Crain’s Chicago Business has recognized D.L. as among its 2021 Notable Black Leaders and Executives," said Hinshaw Chairman Peter Sullivan. "Under D.L.’s creative and dedicated leadership, our firm has seen continued growth in the hiring of diverse attorneys as well as increased opportunities for their advancement to partner and leadership positions within the firm."

Morriss focuses his law practice on commercial litigation, representing companies in a wide range of matters, including lender liability, financial workout and bankruptcy, and civil tort actions primarily in Illinois and New York. He also devotes significant time and talent to various legal and Chicago area civic organizations. He is a member of the Board of Directors of The Joffrey Ballet, and a member of The Economic Club of Chicago, the Chicago Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders, Chicago Inn of Court, the Chicago Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association.

Crain’s Chicago Business annually recognizes black executives and leaders who have made a difference through notable contributions to the community by serving as role models and mentors, helping to create educational and professional opportunities, serving in leadership positions to attract and advance black employees, and serving in positions to advance reform and address issues that adversely affect the black community.