Culture & Inclusion

Inclusion and respect are core values of our firm.

Our goal is to create and sustain a culture where we embrace and respect our differences, foster collaboration and leverage our diverse experiences to enhance our performance and impact.

Employee Resource Groups

To provide community for all employees, the following resource groups are open to everyone.

In addition to offering our employees the opportunity to join one of the groups above, Whiteford has a number of other Culture & Inclusion related priorities and programs.

Headshot photo of Partner Dorothy Deng
  • Dorothy Deng
  • Partner

Diversity leads to new business opportunities; inclusion retains talent—Whiteford understands the positive impact of cultivating a diverse and inclusive community.

Headshot of Rafiq Gharbi
  • Rafiq Gharbi
  • Counsel

Whiteford's network of attorneys provides a wealth of experience and practical knowledge, but remains an approachable family of collegial professionals. Practicing law in a collaborative atmosphere with deep-running connections has elevated my career to exactly where I wanted it to go.

Jay Keeton Headshot photo
  • Jay Keeton
  • Counsel

Whiteford encourages us to engage with other offices as part of our team and utilize our resources. I regularly interact with other attorneys from Baltimore, Columbia, New York and DC. I work with attorneys in various practice areas such as litigation, bankruptcy and community association, which has allowed me to provide true full service legal practice to my clients.

Claudia Lopez-Knapp Headshot photo
  • Claudia Lopez-Knapp
  • Associate

As a judicial law clerk, I had the pleasure of observing Whiteford attorneys in the courtroom. I was able to read the attorneys' quality work product, as well as witness the professionalism and skill demonstrated in the courtroom. When the opportunity arose to interview for a job with the firm, I knew I had to take the chance to join a group of well-known and respected attorneys.

Mario de Castro Headshot photo
  • Mario de Castro
  • Partner

Whiteford's platform encourages entrepreneurship, and permits us the ability to serve and grow clients in a teaming and multidisciplinary environment across the East Coast, internationally, and a myriad of market segments and industries. It’s this platform and the unique opportunity to join a firm poised to grow and expand into its next 100 years, that attracted me to join Whiteford.

Zanas Talley Headshot photo
  • Zanas Talley
  • Associate

When I began looking for new opportunities, I knew I was in search of three "must-haves.” The first was a deep bench of well-respected and experienced attorneys from whom I could learn from and lead with. The second was a culture that is radically integrated, allowing for the opportunity to collaborate and work in different practice groups. The third was a firm that supports its clients, its people and the communities of which it is a part. Whiteford offered me exactly what I was looking for, so the decision to join the firm was easy.

 Heather Enoch headshot
  • Heather Enoch
  • Marketing Specialist

Whiteford’s dedication to cultivating an inclusive and collaborative community is evident in every aspect of the firm. As co-chair of the Parents & Caregivers Resource Group, I am honored to help strengthen that culture by supporting those balancing professional and caregiving responsibilities. Together, we are creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute fully, both in their careers and in their personal lives.

Aaron Woodfolk Headshot
  • Aaron Woodfolk
  • Accounting Specialist

In my 15 years as an employee, Whiteford has been steadfast in its approach to culture and inclusion. The firm has broadened my approach to inclusion in my personal life and the work atmosphere created by the firm has allowed me to thrive in my position and navigate easily among a diverse team of employees and attorneys.

Margaret Tippett Headshot
  • Margaret Tippett
  • Associate

What I value most about Whiteford is how my colleagues’ diverse perspectives help me see people more fully. That openness doesn’t just make us better lawyers; it helps me connect with clients in a way that honors their stories and builds trust.