California workers’ compensation defense firm Bradford & Barthel LLP announced that Farai Alves, managing partner and conflict resolution strategist at its Oakland office, became the firm’s first chief diversity officer as of June 15.

Farai Alves

Alves has been with the firm since 2005 and has run its Oakland office for years. In addition to training many of the firm’s attorneys, she has also done numerous client webinars and training events during her tenure.

“I am excited to take on this role with Bradford & Barthel. Helping create a diverse workplace in which everyone in our firm can thrive is a goal that is near and dear to my heart,” Alves said in a statement.

As chief diversity officer, Alves will develop programs to increase diversity within the firm through mentoring, training and education.

Alves graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international business and French from Dillard University in New Orleans. Thereafter, Alves obtained her Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law in Atlanta in 2002. She is multilingual and speaks English, Shona and French.