Many firms are vying for Mansfield Rule certification.

In a Law360 article published on April 13, 2021, John Hellerman examines how thought leadership can unlock the door for firms’ diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Some important excerpts from the article include:

“While chief diversity officers analyze their firms’ hiring, training, retention, promotion and compensation strategies, they should also make sure there is equity in promotional opportunities — for e.g., being quoted in the media, getting published and speaking — that are critical to demonstrating diverse professionals’ expertise.”

“Based on my conversations with law firms, several are beginning to review their body of thought leadership in terms of social identifiers to evaluate the breakdown. Not surprisingly, they have found that minority attorneys often lack visibility with potential clients when compared to their white male and female counterparts due to unequal representation on conference panels, opportunities to get quoted in the press, and within other sponsorship channels that serve as client referrals.”

“Firms should work with attorneys of color to develop smart PR campaigns and create compelling thought leadership that demonstrates expertise. The chief marketing officer can be an ally to the chief DEI officer in this regard.”

“Minority attorneys will emerge with enhanced credentials that will lead to greater compensation and advancement with the firm, retention will be improved, the firm will be better poised for new business and growth, and the profession will become more diverse, equitable and inclusive.”

Click here to read the entire piece or contact John at jhellerman@hellermanllc.com for more information.