In the wake of George Floyd’s death, at least 23 of Charlotte’s largest law firms have formed the Carolinas Social Impact Initiative (CSII), a Charlotte-based program created to foster a more inclusive community and reduce systemic barriers to social and economic mobility in the Carolinas. Cadwalader was among the first firms to join the initiative, and Charlotte office Managing Partner Stuart Goldstein serves as a member of the executive committee of the CSII. As an executive committee member, Stu is one of the local business leaders shaping the direction of CSII’s efforts, which are focused on four areas: supporting minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, advancing educational opportunities, supporting family stability and social justice, and improving access to social capital and career opportunities.

The first pilot project coming out of CSII is the Charlotte Legal Initiative to Mobilize Businesses (CLIMB), which launched in July. CLIMB’s raison d’être is to provide pro bono business law services to low-income entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Charlotte area, with a focus on small businesses whose ownership consists primarily of people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, or people with disabilities.

We look forward to expanding our relationship with CSII and bringing pro bono and volunteering opportunities to members of our Charlotte office.