Promoting Diversity & Inclusion in Law Firms & Corporations: Disrupting Old Models & Lowering Attrition

As organizations scramble to deal with the financial challenges of COVID-19, the focus companies place on D & I initiatives have come to a screeching halt. Yet, a growing body of evidence is finding that gender parity and racial diversity, particularly in decision-making roles, have a meaningful impact on innovation, productivity, and profitability. This is not breaking news. Even with the cataclysmic shifts that the world is experiencing, the push for equity in the workplace must be maintained. How your organization shows up right now, will be remembered.   

This panel will explore: 

• How this pandemic has contributed to uncovering the disparity between marginalized and privileged groups. 
• What we can all do as individuals and leaders to have some difficult but necessary conversations. 
• How in-house counsel can have a direct impact, not only by fostering an inclusive culture within their departments but also by committing to hiring law firms that employ and promote women and minorities. 
• Steps law firms can take, such as re-thinking the allocation of origination credit, instituting a gender-diverse committee and third-party oversight of the firm’s practices, and ensuring the firm’s succession plan is gender-neutral.