Over the last few years, more and more law firms have recognized the importance and value of having a diverse workforce, i.e., employees with different perspectives, opinions and experiences. As a result, law firms across the country have implemented diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, including the pursuit of Mansfield Rule certification, in an effort to modify and improve upon their processes for making hiring and promotion decisions.

However, while there has been an overall push for increased diversity efforts among law firms, diversity in the legal profession falls far behind in comparison with other professions. In fact, according to data from the American Bar Association (ABA), only 19% of attorneys in the United States are considered minorities (“U.S. Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling a ‘headwind’ for lawyer diversity, experts say,” Reuters, July 29, 2023). In comparison, minorities make up a much larger percentage in other professions, e.g., 36% of physicians and 30% of dentists. These numbers alone make it clear that much more needs to be done to create a diverse and innovative legal industry.

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