It is now commonplace for law firms to have instituted policies or practices designed to address diversity and inclusion issues. Whether through a firmwide diversity committee, a designated diversity officer, a formal diversity policy or all of the above, you will likely find some structure in place that addresses diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Indeed, the existence of this structure can be a compelling factor in a young attorney's decision to join a particular law firm. It is, however, important to understand that once you arrive at the firm, you should not be afraid to adopt the firm's diversity and inclusion initiative as your own and find ways to meaningfully contribute to its success. Doing so will not only enrich a fledgling legal career, it will demonstrate your investment in your new firm and lead to more opportunities than you might otherwise have. For those newly-minted attorneys who have an interest in exploring these opportunities, the three steps listed below will aid you in pursuing this task.
Step One: Get Informed
Once you arrive at the firm, waste no time in learning what your firm's diversity initiative entails. You may already be familiar with existing initiatives, as they are often used as an effective marketing tool to both potential hires and clients. If so, that's great. You can jump to step two. If not, you have a bit of research to do. Find out how your firm views diversity and inclusion, including the relevant policies and initiatives already in place. For example, find out if your firm participates in programs specifically geared toward addressing diversity and inclusion issues in the legal profession. Understanding your firm's approach to diversity and inclusion will help you identify if and/or how you can meaningfully contribute to the effort.
