KANSAS CITY, MO (August 13, 2025) — Lathrop GPM is proud to announce that Director of Litigation Support Michael Cole has been honored with Missouri Lawyers Media’s 2025 Diversity & Inclusion Award. This distinction recognizes attorneys, firms, organizations and legal professionals who are significantly advancing diversity, inclusion and the dignity of all people in Missouri’s legal profession and the communities in which exceptional legal work impacts justice for all.
Cole will receive the award during the publication’s annual Diversity & Inclusion Awards ceremony, which will be held virtually on Thursday, August 14. He will be honored alongside 18 other legal professionals and advocates who are leading efforts to build a more inclusive legal community.
As Director of Litigation Support, Cole plays a critical role in ensuring equitable access to technology, training and resources across the firm’s litigation teams. He has been instrumental in leading the firm’s efforts around inclusivity, particularly with the LGBTQ+ community, and has been an active member of the LGBTQ+ Allies Inclusion Network steering committee since joining the firm. Cole currently serves as co-chair of the network, which promotes a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ employees, offering regular meetings, educational programming and community support. Cole also has been a key figure in the firm’s PRIDE month programming and organizes its float in the annual Kansas City PRIDE parade.
The recipients of the Diversity & Inclusion Award are selected by the Missouri Lawyers Media editorial department from nominations submitted by the Missouri legal community. Honorees are chosen based on their demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession over the course of their careers.
Read the full list of 2025 Diversity & Inclusion honorees here [SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED].