What Pride Means to Me – Uniting as one firm by Merick Alsobrooks

I am Merick Alsobrooks (they/them), a Business Development Coordinator located in the Atlanta office and a new member of the Pryde & Co North America network.

Going into my second month with the firm, I’m looking forward to my first Pride with Clyde & Co! At my last firm, I had some wonderful allies, but it could still feel lonely to have no formal community. 

While the attorneys had an LGBTQIA+ business resource group, the business service professionals were left hanging. I missed the safety, unity, and ease that could come from participating in a group built of people who are going through some of the same struggles and triumphs as I am. 

I would have benefited from a way to connect with LGBTQIA+ peers and role models within the legal industry. After all, as much as I admire the Sam Smith's, Niecy Nash's, and Elliot Page's of the world, there’s power in seeing folks like me at work. 

I’m so glad that Pryde & Co. is open to everyone, no matter their roles, and I’m so glad to have already met some kind and insightful LGBTQIA+ colleagues from across North America.