IBA Diversity Award

In the early 1970's, Robert Wagner joined with Patrick Chavis, Sr, and Patrick Chavis, III, to form one of the first integrated law firms in Indianapolis. Later, Robert Wagner, Ed Lewis and others formed the firm now known as Lewis Wagner, LLP, which continued his commitment to diversity in the workplace and in the profession. As a result, Lewis Wagner has employed a record number of women attorneys and attorneys of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds since its inception.

Lewis Wagner has been a strong supporter of the Gateway to Diversity Program and one of the original participants in that program for over 15 years. Each year they hold at least one clerk position open for a candidate from the program, and they employ, as well, a number of law students of color from sources outside of the program. Through its law clerk program, Lewis Wagner prides itself in assisting all of its student clerks to develop trial skills by providing them hands on experience in the courtroom and in trial preparation while they are employed with the firm.

As evidence of the universal commitment to diversity within the firm, several members of the firm have taken leadership roles in National, State and local Bar Association Diversity committees and programs including the American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS), the Defense Research Institute (DRI), the Indiana State Bar Association, and the Indianapolis Bar Association.

In acknowledgment of these efforts, the Committee for Racial Diversity in the Legal Profession of the Indiana State Bar Association presented Lewis Wagner, LLP, with the Rabb Emison Award at a ceremony held October 5, 2006, during the bar association's annual meeting. The Award plaque states that it is given "In recognition of the significant contribution made in advancing opportunities for minority lawyers in legal employment and the legal profession." Lewis Wagner is proud of this award and committed to continuing its efforts toward diversity in the profession.