Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, today announces that Sarah Carlson has been selected as a 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Awards honoree by Missouri Lawyers Media. Carlson is a commercial litigation partner in Dentons’ St. Louis office.

Carlson was one of 21 honorees (including a judge and legal scholars) chosen from across the state. The peer-nominated award highlights lawyers, firms and organizations who significantly advance diversity, inclusion and the dignity of all people in Missouri’s legal profession as well as in communities in which exceptional legal work helps to achieve justice for all.

Carlson has served on Dentons’ Pro Bono Committee since 2012. Much of the pro bono work she performs is devoted to advancing social justice matters as well as supporting indigent clients in need of legal assistance. She says that she is happiest doing pro bono work that advocates for social justice.

Carlson’s outlook is profoundly shaped by being the granddaughter of Holocaust concentration camp survivors. From them, she learned that diversity is to be celebrated, that life is a gift, that everyone deserves an ally, and that her voice is valuable.  She feels a personal obligation—to her ancestors and her children—to furthering diversity and inclusion.  To that end, Carlson explains:  “We cannot just say never again.  We have to work for it.”  And to Carlson, that means zealously advocating to eradicate all forms of bigotry, including anti-Semitism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny and other prejudices. 

Carlson finds it particularly important to lead the way for younger women lawyers by encouraging them to take leadership roles in constructive professional, community and networking groups. In addition to her legal practice, Carlson has a long-term commitment to St. Louis’ Downtown Children’s Center, whose mission is to provide excellent child care and effective, inspiring educational programs tailored to the needs of diverse children and families in a nurturing and secure environment convenient to the workplace. She has served as president of the board of directors and a member of the executive committee, and is now a member of the advisory board.