Moore & Van Allen fosters a culture of belonging at our firm and in the many communities we serve. Inclusion, one of the firm's shared values, is embraced and promoted across the firm in our recruiting and development programs for lawyers and staff with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. MVA does this work because we know that the different experiences and perspectives of our attorneys and staff enable us to better serve our clients.
Message from Leadership
We remain steadfast in our belief that in order to achieve the best outcomes we must remain open and supportive of all of our lawyers and employees. We are proud to support a culture where we work hard to welcome, value, and listen to everyone.
Tom Mitchell, Chair, Management Committee
Amy Johnson, Co-chair, Diversity Committee
Valecia McDowell, Member, Management Committee; Co-chair, Diversity Committee
Stephanie Dixon, Chief People Officer
Highlights
- Moore & Van Allen provides associates, counsel, and staff attorneys with up to 50 hours of billable credit on an annual basis for public service and inclusion activity.
- The firm regularly hosts cultural celebrations open to all employees. These efforts offer an opportunity to increase cultural awareness among attorneys and staff and also serve as an opportunity to foster deeper connections among one another. Additionally, the firm hosts an annual event in honor of Charlotte Civil Rights Attorney Julius Chambers which gives recognition to other civil rights champions like South Carolina Judge Matthew Perry, Jr. who have helped to increase opportunity both within the legal industry and broader community.
- Moore & Van Allen celebrates its longstanding commitment to public service by hosting an annual Sally & Bill Van Allen Public Service Award luncheon to celebrate the achievements of our employees and community partners who are making significant service contributions.
- Moore & Van Allen was the first Carolina-based law firm to join the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) when the effort was established in 2020. LFAA is committed to leveraging the resources of the private bar in partnership with legal services organizations to amplify the voices of communities and individuals oppressed by racism.
- We are proud to serve as a recurring sponsor and participant of the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade, Charlotte’s largest street festival and annual parade.
- 24 law firm leaders, including MVA Chair Tom Mitchell, formed the Carolinas Social Impact Initiative, now known as the Charlotte Legal Initiative to Mobilize Businesses (CLIMB), to support business entities.
- We serve as a sponsor of Women Lawyers of Charlotte and ensure membership to the organization for our female lawyers who wish to participate.
- Moore & Van Allen is a sponsor of the annual North Carolina Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Gala in Charlotte. In 2025, for the ninth consecutive year, MVA earned a top score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey and report administered by the HRC.
- Moore & Van Allen achieved Mansfield Certification Plus designation to ensure opportunities for advancement and leadership.
- The Daily Report and Law.com named Moore & Van Allen as a Diversity Initiative Finalist for the 2024 Southeastern Legal Awards.
- Moore & Van Allen was named a finalist for the 2024 Chambers USA Awards in the DEI: Outstanding Firm category.
- Moore & Van Allen named one of North Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s inaugural Empowering Women award winners
Recruiting
Moore & Van Allen is committed to recruiting and developing lawyers and staff across a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Working closely with the firm’s Management, Diversity and Recruitment committees we have adopted several initiatives to enhance the firm's outreach to highly qualified candidates.
MVA 1L Diversity Conference - 2025 Process Completed
Moore & Van Allen’s annual Diversity Conference is designed to introduce 1L law students to leaders and career opportunities in the legal industry. The program is open to all 1L students. Students are selected through a competitive application process based on academic performance and essays reflecting applicant's experiences advancing diversity.
MVA Diversity Scholarship - 2025 Process Completed
Launched in January 2019, Moore & Van Allen’s Diversity Scholarship Program is a summer employment opportunity for students just finishing their first year in law school. Open to all 1L students, we evaluate candidates based on their demonstrated leadership qualities, ability to overcome challenges, academic performance, work experience, communication skills, community involvement and commitment to diversity. Selected students have the opportunity to participate in the firm’s 10-week summer associate program and may receive up to $35,000 in additional scholarship money.
Diversity Statement
Together We Can Do More
At Moore & Van Allen, representation extends beyond traditional legal services to help our clients achieve their goals. Our commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion at our firm and in the many communities we serve directly advances this mission. We strive to build a team where different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are not only embraced but celebrated. Only then can people bring their authentic selves to work and deliver the best outcomes for our clients. Our commitment to inclusion and togetherness is not just a business imperative but a core value.
2025 Corporate Equality Index
MVA earns top score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index
2024 Mansfield Certification Plus Distinction
MVA attains “Mansfield Certification Plus” designation
2024 Chambers USA Awards - DEI
MVA named as a finalist for the 2024 Chambers USA Awards in the DEI: Outstanding Firm category
2024 Southeastern Legal Awards
MVA named Diversity Initiative Finalist for 2024 Southeastern Legal Awards
2023 Empowering Women award winners
MVA named one of North Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s inaugural 2023 Empowering Women award winners