Hanson Bridgett’s head of diversity said last summer was “an awakening” for the legal industry. In the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, firms could no longer get by with solely focusing on less controversial work in their communities.

Law firm’s evolving attitudes have broadened the scope of what diversity leaders can tackle, according to Jennifer Martinez, the firm’s first chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer and a Latina partner in its labor and employment practice.