Warner Norcross Reads, Discusses "The Help" for its One Book, One Firm Series
The law firm of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP has chosen New York Times bestseller "The Help" as the 2011 selection for its One Book, One Firm series.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, July 15, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The law firm of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP has chosen New York Times bestseller "The Help" as the 2011 selection for its One Book, One Firm series.

Now in its fourth year, the popular One Book, One Firm series encourages the entire law firm to read the same book, then provides opportunities to create a series of firm-wide discussions based on the common experience. "The Help" is a debut novel by author Kathryn Stockett that explores the relationships between black maids and the white families they work for and the children they raise in Jackson, Miss. Set at the beginning of the civil rights movement, the novel is told from three alternating perspectives as two maids and the college-educated daughter of a white family decide to write a book and share their stories.

Attorneys and staff from the six offices of Warner Norcross across Michigan will join in a special lunch-and-learn program on Wednesday, July 13, to discuss "The Help." The panel will feature Jeanne Arnold, vice president for inclusion and equity at Grand Valley State University, Lois Smith Owens, professor of social work and director of recruitment at GVSU, and Rebecca Knack, a retired English teacher from East Grand Rapids High School who grew up in the 1950s in a liberal family in Laurel, Miss. and Memphis, Tenn., but always under the guidance of African-American housekeepers.

"We are very pleased to welcome Jeanne, Lois and Becky to lead our discussion of this provocative novel, which is slated to open as a movie next month," said Diversity Partner Rodney Martin. "The book has been the target of a lawsuit and the author has been criticized for her stereotypical portrayal of African-American characters, in addition to historical inaccuracies. We look forward to delving into the substance of the novel, evaluating the criticisms and generating a meaningful discussion about this pivotal period in our nation's history of race relations."

One Book, One Firm was launched in 2008 as part of the law firm's ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Additional books in the series have included:
• "Stealing Buddha's Dinner," a memoir about the experience of a Vietnamese girl growing up in West Michigan
• "Hands of My Father," the story of a hearing child who served as the go-between for his deaf parents and the hearing world
• "The Female Vision: Women's Real Power at Work," a work that analyzes the fundamental differences between how men and women operate within companies

About Warner Norcross & Judd
Warner Norcross & Judd is a corporate law firm with 220 attorneys practicing in six offices throughout Michigan: Grand Rapids, Holland, Lansing, Muskegon, Southfield and Sterling Heights. The firm has more than 75 practice groups that work in virtually all areas of business and civil law. By providing sound legal advice and alternative billing options, Warner Norcross & Judd forges a better partnership with its clients. To learn more, visit www.wnj.com.

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