As a leading global law firm, we take seriously our responsibility to call out and help eradicate inequality and discrimination in all its guises. We are intentional about doing so, both within our own firm and in the communities where we practice.
We have established and continually update a comprehensive approach to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to assure that all of our personnel throughout the firm feel welcomed and that they have the opportunity to fully and fairly pursue their career objectives. Across our global platform, our colleagues also routinely engage in myriad social justice and community support activities, often with firm support.
Given the historic failure of large law firms to adequately address DEI objectives, we believe it is essential to acknowledge that fact and to be very purposeful in affirming the core values that underpin our inclusive culture. A sustained commitment to pursuing DEI across our entire platform was one of the strategic priorities adopted by our partners in 2017. While much work certainly remains to be done, we are encouraged by our colleagues’ embrace of that priority in the context of a collaborative and supportive, “one-firm firm” culture.
Our recruiting, hiring, training and promotion practices all reflect our shared DEI focus. While we recognize that it is incumbent on the firm to be flexible and innovative as industry DEI strategies evolve and new best practices are developed, the firm has held these values and pursued DEI objectives for many years. That fact is amply reflected by the composition of our firm’s leadership team. We have more than three dozen women and ethnic minorities who serve in either appointed or elected leadership positions across the firm, including at its very highest levels. Our Global Board, for instance, is composed of a majority of diverse partners, and has been for some time. We also have diverse lawyers as practice group leaders, office managing partners, a global managing partner and in other leadership roles, confirming both the long-standing culture of our firm and our sustained focus on continuing to progress.
Our Inclusion & Diversity Committee is charged with managing the strategic framework for inclusion and diversity; setting goals and targets; defining our action plans; and articulating measures of success. The committee will oversee and approve:
The Inclusion & Diversity Committee will work in tandem with the: