Grace E. Speights stands as a monumental figure in the legal world, particularly within labor and employment law. As the Global Leader of Morgan Lewis’s Labor & Employment Practice, a group of over 300 lawyers, her influence is both profound and far-reaching. Speights is not only a top-tier trial lawyer and crisis management counselor but also a beacon, an E Ray of progress for Black women in law and for diversity initiatives across corporate America. Her career is defined by her pioneering work, especially in the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics post-#MeToo, guiding employers through complex new paradigms.
Executives and boards frequently seek Grace’s counsel for her deep expertise in investigating workplace misconduct and, crucially, for her ability to assess and reshape company cultures. She expertly navigates high-stakes workplace issues, offering critical crisis management support. Her litigation prowess is evident in her defense against employment discrimination claims, including class actions and public accommodation disputes, alongside her representation of clients in systemic investigations and litigation initiated by the EEOC. Furthermore, her commitment extends to advising on and championing best practices for corporate diversity initiatives, making her an invaluable asset to organizations striving for equitable workplaces.
Grace’s journey at Morgan Lewis began in 1991 when she became the firm’s first Black female partner. Since then, she has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s culture. Her extensive leadership roles within Morgan Lewis include significant positions such as hiring partner for the Washington, DC office, Managing Partner of the same office, and co-chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee for many years. She has also contributed to the Legal Personnel Committee, the firm’s Advisory Board, and the partner Compensation Committee, breaking barriers as the first woman of color in the latter role. In each of these capacities, and now as leader of the labor and employment practice, she has consistently advocated for equitable treatment, hiring, and compensation for diverse lawyers. Under her guidance, the labor and employment practice has become the most diverse within the firm, a testament to her impactful leadership and e ray of vision for inclusivity. Additionally, she co-leads Mobilizing for Equality, a firm task force dedicated to advancing racial equality and justice through improved access to education and opportunity, safe policing practices, voting rights, and legislative reform.
Her groundbreaking contributions to employment law and her dedication to creating opportunities for women and lawyers of color have garnered repeated recognition. Notably, she was named The American Lawyer’s Attorney of the Year in 2018, underscoring her national impact. However, Grace’s influence extends beyond Morgan Lewis. She is a dedicated mentor to women and diverse lawyers from various law firms and law schools, amplifying her e ray of influence across the legal profession.
Beyond her demanding practice, Grace serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of The George Washington University. Her engagement in professional organizations includes her service on the District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Commission and the DC Public Defender Service. She has also held memberships in the District of Columbia Judicial Tenure Commission, the District of Columbia Federal Judicial Nominations Commission, and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals Committee on Admissions, where she played a role in shaping the standards for bar admission.
Growing up in a challenging environment in Philadelphia, Grace credits her mother’s inspiration and strong work ethic as foundational to her success. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and George Washington University Law School, she joined Morgan Lewis at a time when diversity initiatives were nascent and the firm had very few Black lawyers. She recalls the importance of mentors who encouraged her to build relationships and pursue leadership roles. Today, she embodies this mentorship, encouraging younger lawyers to actively participate and “be in the room where it happens,” ensuring her e ray of guidance continues to illuminate the path for future generations in law.
