Greensfelder Establishes Diversity Scholarship in Memory of Former Firm President and CEO Tim Thornton

Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., is honored to announce the creation of a new scholarship fund with Washington University in St. Louis School of Law to support diverse law students, in recognition of the first anniversary of the passing of former Greensfelder President and CEO Tim Thornton.

The Greensfelder Diversity Scholarship in Memory of Timothy R. Thornton will be awarded beginning in fall 2020. Each year, a student at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law who has demonstrated a commitment to diversity will be selected as the recipient. After awarding the initial $10,000 scholarship this fall, Greensfelder will fund an endowment to allow for the continuation of the scholarship annually in alignment with the firm’s commitment to advancing diversity in the legal profession and creating opportunities for individuals in the firm’s communities.

“Diversity and inclusion were deeply held components of Tim’s core values, and he imparted those values to our law firm,” said Kevin T. McLaughlin, who succeeded Tim Thornton as the firm’s president and CEO. “Diversity and inclusion serve as an integral part of our core values today, and that is a lasting part of Tim’s impact on the firm. He believed in diversity in the legal profession and in firm leadership, and it is important to us to honor his legacy by continuing to prioritize those values.”

Tim Thornton passed away on June 23, 2019, at age 64. He was a 1980 graduate of Washington University in St. Louis School of Law and joined Greensfelder in 1981. His son Patrick Thornton also graduated from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law.

Tim Thornton, who built his practice as a highly successful construction attorney, became Greensfelder’s first CEO in 2016. His vision for the firm was one where all employees were given the opportunity to achieve their highest potential, and diversity of leadership was paramount.

Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., founded in 1895, is a full-service law firm with offices in St. Louis, Chicago and Southern Illinois. Greensfelder offers comprehensive legal solutions for clients locally, nationally and internationally. Areas of practice include business services; communications and media; construction; educational, religious and tax-exempt organizations; employee benefits; employment and labor; energy; franchising and distribution; health care; intellectual property; litigation; real estate; securities and financial services; and trusts and estates. Find out more at www.greensfelder.com.