Grace E. Speights stands as a monumental figure in the legal landscape, particularly within labor and employment law. As the Global Leader of Morgan Lewis’s esteemed Labor & Employment Practice, comprising over 300 lawyers, Speights has carved a path of distinction and influence. Her pioneering approach to advising employers in the evolving workplace, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement, has solidified her reputation as a forward-thinking and incisive legal mind.
Recognized as a leading trial lawyer and crisis management counselor, Grace Speights is highly sought after by executives and boards seeking expertise in navigating complex workplace issues. Her profound understanding extends beyond investigating misconduct claims to examining and reshaping company cultures. This holistic approach sets her apart as a transformative force in the field.
Within her demanding practice, Speights expertly manages high-profile and high-stakes workplace matters, consistently providing critical crisis management support to numerous clients. She is a formidable defender against employment discrimination claims, including class actions and public accommodation discrimination cases. Her representation extends to clients facing systemic investigations and litigation initiated by the EEOC, showcasing her broad and deep expertise in regulatory matters. Furthermore, she offers invaluable counsel on implementing best practices for corporate diversity initiatives, reflecting her commitment to equitable workplaces.
Since her groundbreaking promotion to Morgan Lewis’s first Black female partner in 1991, Grace Speights has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s culture. Her extensive tenure is marked by numerous leadership roles, including hiring partner for the Washington, DC office, managing partner of the same office, and long-time co-chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee. She has also contributed significantly to the Legal Personnel Committee, the firm’s Advisory Board, and the partner Compensation Committee, where she was the first woman of color to serve. In each of these capacities, and now as the leader of the labor and employment practice, she has championed equitable treatment for diverse lawyers, advocating for fair hiring and compensation practices. Her leadership has demonstrably fostered diversity within the labor and employment practice, making it the firm’s most diverse group. Beyond this, she co-leads Mobilizing for Equality, Morgan Lewis’s task force dedicated to advancing racial equality and justice through initiatives focused on education access, safe policing, voting rights, and legislative reform.
Grace Speights’ groundbreaking contributions to employment law and her dedication to creating opportunities for women and lawyers of color have earned her widespread recognition. Being named The American Lawyer’s Attorney of the Year in 2018 underscored her significant impact. Her influence extends well beyond Morgan Lewis through her mentorship of women and diverse lawyers across various law firms and law schools, shaping the future of the legal profession.
Beyond her commitments at Morgan Lewis, Speights serves as chair of the Board of Trustees of The George Washington University, demonstrating her leadership in education as well. Her engagement in professional organizations includes positions on the District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Commission and the DC Public Defender Service. She has also contributed to 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, impacting the standards and accessibility of the legal profession in the region.
Growing up in a challenging neighborhood in Philadelphia, Grace Speights credits her mother’s inspiration and the strong work ethic instilled in her for 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 Black lawyers were few. She acknowledges the mentors who encouraged her to build relationships and pursue leadership roles, a practice she now extends to younger lawyers, emphasizing the importance of being present and engaged where decisions are made.
