Diversity. In legal circles, the word has become so overused it barely registers. A recent online search for “diversity and law firms” yielded more than 14 million hits. That’s a lot of talk about diversity.
We don’t object to talk, but prefer action. That’s why we continually assess and launch initiatives like these:
- a 360-degree review process through which our attorneys and government consultants rank their practice group leaders on factors that include how well they promote diversity — their effectiveness weighs into their compensation
- a scholarship program that annually provides two qualifying diverse law students with paid positions as summer associates with our firm, plus $5,000
- a mentoring program that pairs our minority lawyers with our communities’ established minority public and private sector leaders, raising our lawyers’ visibility and increasing opportunities for collaboration and guidance
- networking, informal mentoring, professional development opportunities through the firm’s Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, Minority Lawyer Network, and Women’s Initiative Network
Although our efforts are regularly recognized, awards and rankings don’t inspire us. Instead, we’re motivated by the high client service goals we set for ourselves and the knowledge that our ambitious aims can only be achieved by embracing diversity.
