A meaningful discussion of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession needs to go beyond the empty buzzwords. We recently had an opportunity to talk to a handful of our law firm’s clients about what diversity and inclusion really means—to them in their own company’s culture and to them as buyers of legal services.
Law firms pay a lot of lip service to diversity and inclusion, yet legal services remain among the least diverse white-collar professions. But changes are finally coming, fast. Corporations such as HP have announced it may start docking fees for outside counsel who don’t meet their standards for diversity and inclusion. Last fall, 24 Fortune 1000 general counsels pledged widespread support for ABA Resolution 113, urging law firms to be more diverse.
