The ABA Journal recently covered Georgetown Law School’s new study of culture in mid-size law firms which found that leaders in those firms believe their strong culture gives them a competitive advantage in attracting laterals.
Reconcile that with data from the National Association of Legal Career Professionals (NALP) indicating that mid-size law firms lag behind larger and smaller firms when it comes to diversity.
The disconnect – failing to understand that culture has everything to do with diversity results. Most mid-size firms are still engaged in traditional 20th Century diversity efforts – recruiting female and diverse candidates – but haven’t evolved to incorporate inclusiveness as a strategy to retain and advance female and diverse attorneys.
Inclusiveness and fundamental changes to the firm’s culture are required to make diversity sustainable. When will mid-size firms make the connection and create cultures of inclusion to attract, retain, and advance women and racially/ethnically diverse attorneys?
