Diversity

Freshfields appoints Amsterdam corporate man as new global people partner

By Suzi Ring | April 14, 2011

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has appointed a new global people partner as incumbent Caroline Stroud steps down from the role. Amsterdam-based corporate partner Richard Norbruis is set to take up the position as of 1 May for a three-year term. Stroud will return to full-time fee earning in the employment practice. Norbruis is only the second person to hold the role at the firm after it was created in May 2008.

1 minute read

Law Society report reveals partner promotions still fail to reflect rising tide of female lawyers

By Sofia Lind | April 14, 2011

The latest annual statistical report from The Law Society has confirmed the extent to which law firms have so far failed to react to the increase in women in the profession, with the number of female solicitors nearly doubling over the last 10 years. The report - Trends in the Solicitors Profession - published earlier this month, showed that between 2000 and 2010 the number of women holding practising certificates rose by 80%, although the profession as a whole has grown by only 42%.

1 minute read

Freshfields rolls out unconscious bias training in diversity push

By Suzi Ring | April 6, 2011

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is rolling out unconscious bias training to its partners firmwide in a bid to increase diversity within its ranks. The training, which was first piloted with corporate partners last autumn, is intended to alert partners to bias that could affect decisions regarding recruitment, promotion and attitudes to others at the firm.

1 minute read

A&O becomes first law firm on board Government social mobility initiative

By Sofia Lind | April 5, 2011

Allen & Overy (A&O) has become the first law firm to sign up to the Government's new 'business compact' which will see companies agree to offer internships to young people from deprived backgrounds. The compact is part of the Government's wider social mobility strategy unveiled today (5 April) by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

1 minute read

Macfarlanes boost maternity leave pay by 70% in diversity review

By Suzi Ring | March 23, 2011

Macfarlanes has upped its maternity leave by almost 70% in a bid to retain more female lawyers at the firm and increase the number of women in its partnership. The City firm will now offer all employees 23.5 weeks of maternity leave on full pay, up from just 14 weeks.

1 minute read

Bar stats show marginal increase in female barristers over five years

By Suzi Ring | March 23, 2011

The percentage of women at the bar has increased only marginally over the last five years according to new research compiled by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and Bar Council and issued yesterday (22 March).

1 minute read

What women want: bridging the great divide

By Legal Week | March 16, 2011

There is a great divide between the number of women qualifying into the legal profession as either solicitors or barristers (more than 50%) and the number who make it into law firm partnership ranks (in most cases, fewer than 20%) or as Queen's Counsel. Such a disproportionate attrition rate represents a huge waste of talent and money, and the picture is not going to change overnight. Where is the legal profession going wrong?

1 minute read

Let's not kid ourselves - does the legal profession really care about diversity?

By Alex Novarese | March 16, 2011

These days you often hear of social inclusion or diversity "moving up the agenda" of City law firms. But if I'm honest, years of covering the profession has led me to the view that the commercial sector, at least, generally doesn't much care about this stuff. What is usually meant when it is said that things are "moving up the agenda" is that people feel the need to discuss something or take cosmetic steps that will in reality have little impact, not to actually do much substantive. There's a world of difference between the former and the latter.

1 minute read

Career Clinic: Miserly maternity pay leaves mum-to-be strapped for cash

By Legal Week | December 13, 2007

When I joined my current firm, I was encouraged to believe that my firm's maternity policy was in line with market standard in the City. Finding myself unexpectedly but happily pregnant, I recently had cause to check the details - and the arrangements are far from generous. Nearly half the additional maternity pay will be held back for a year and paid as a "bonus" only after I have been back at work for six months, which will leave me strapped for cash at the time I need it most.

1 minute read

Comac places emphasis on investor relations.

By Mark Holloway | July 1, 1990

Investor relations activities are becoming even more critical for hedge funds as regulation requirements and greater demand for information by investors propels IR activity into the limelight

1 minute read

Corporate Counsel

General Counsel Have Strategic Role in Pushing for Workforce Equality

By Christine Schiffner | October 6, 2021

"We want to be ahead of the issue," Motion Picture Association GC Karyn Temple said, because not addressing equality issues has "legal implications, it comes with legal liability."

3 minute read

Daily Business Review

'Almost Antagonistic': New Labor Lawsuit Accuses South Florida Retailer of Age Discrimination, Antisemitism

By Jasmine Floyd | October 6, 2021

"Beurer North America denies the allegations, as they are without merit," defense counsel Christina Lehm said.

2 minute read

Corporate Counsel

How Tractor Supply General Counsel Noni Ellison Drives ESG Efforts

By Phillip Bantz | October 6, 2021

"I thought it was important to distinguish the legal support function for our company from the sustainability framework," general counsel Noni Ellison said.

8 minute read

Law.com

Ahead of the Curve: Why Diversity-Focused Law Firms Are Recruiting Before Law School

By Zack Needles | October 6, 2021

This week, we look at how and why diversity-focused law firms are beginning to recruit the next generation of attorneys before law school.

7 minute read

New York Law Journal

Hiring the ESG Dream Team

By Dave Curran and Amelia Miazad | October 6, 2021

It can be challenging for law firms and corporations to hire lawyers who understand how to navigate modern-day challenges in environmental, social and governance.

5 minute read

Daily Report Online

Georgia's Oldest Black-Owned Firm, Thomas Kennedy, Celebrates and Reflects on 50 Years in a Changing Industry

By Jacob Polacheck | October 5, 2021

Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins has represented The Coca-Cola Co., General Motors and the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. Its most important work, though, is in the community.

6 minute read

New Jersey Law Journal

Law Journal Announces Diverse Attorneys of the Year

By David Gialanella | Juliette Gillespie | October 5, 2021

The Law Journal is pleased to announce the 2021 Diverse Attorneys of the Year.

2 minute read

The Legal Intelligencer

Yes, Data and Metrics Can Improve Your Diversity & Inclusion Outcome

By Raymond Williams | October 1, 2021

Often, in my role as national diversity and inclusion partner of DLA Piper, I was asked if DLA uses data and metrics to support our diversity and inclusion goals. The short answer is yes. We use data and metrics because we believe they are important to helping us retain talented lawyers and business professionals.

6 minute read

The Legal Intelligencer

No Such Thing as an 'Innocent' Bystander: Who Should be Held Responsible for Discrimination?

By Francine Friedman Griesing | September 30, 2021

As lawyers, we are often called upon to investigate these types of discriminatory incidents and to advise clients on the legal ramifications if a target asserts a claim. Putting aside credibility issues, when the events are undisputed, documented, or recorded, the rights and responsibilities of the target and the offender are generally clear.

7 minute read

New Jersey Law Journal

Murphy Appoints New Internal Diversity Officer, Signs Police Bills Aimed at Diversifying Ranks

By Suzette Parmley | September 30, 2021

On Tuesday, Murphy signed Executive Order No. 265 to create the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Governor's Office.

5 minute read