In the past few years, attorneys and the public at large have been inundated with information regarding the value of effective diversity and inclusion programs. The terms “diversity” and “inclusion” have become increasingly popular as they relate to workplace environments, and so has the pressure to obtain a competitive advantage through the avenue of employing diverse teams with diverse talent.

As a result of more company buy-in and the statistical benefits, many law firms and other companies have embraced the idea of D&I by revamping prior initiatives or developing new ones. In this regard, law firms are challenged to: (1) employ a mix of individuals from varied backgrounds; and (2) ensure that the mix works well together.