Varnum partner Luis Avila has been selected by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business for inclusion in Notable Leaders in DEI, in recognition of his diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and influence in the Grand Rapids business community.
A labor and employment attorney, Avila represents clients under the various state and federal statutes that govern the employment relationship, including the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Avila has served on Varnum’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for more than ten years, serving as co-chair and chair for the past five years. Under his leadership, the committee was the driving force for the firm’s participation in the Mansfield Rule 5.0 certification process, a program for law firms designed to boost the representation of historically underrepresented lawyers in firm leadership. The committee is also focused on initiatives that ensure minority attorneys receive meaningful work and mentorship as well as the development of diverse attorney talent through a scholarship program.
In addition to his professional activities, Avila is very active within the West Michigan community. He currently serves on the boards of Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority, Mary Free Bed, Grand Rapids Symphony and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, including as the former Chair of the latter two.
Notable Leaders in DEI were profiled in the May 29 issue of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.