Baker & McKenzie LLP issued the following announcement on Sept. 4.
The Diversity Lab, an incubator for innovative ideas and solutions that boost diversity and inclusion in law, announced that Baker McKenzie has earned the highest designation of Mansfield Plus Certification.
The Mansfield Certification recognizes firms who affirmatively consider at least 30% women, attorneys of color, and LGBTQ lawyers for significant firm leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions and senior-level lateral hiring. The "Plus" status recognizes that, in addition to meeting Certification requirements, the Firm has achieved at least 30% diversity in a notable number of current leadership positions and committees.
Our North America Leadership team far exceeds the Diversity Lab's 30% target. For instance, women, attorneys of color and members of the LGBTQ community currently comprise 60% of our US office managing partners.
"This recognition is an outstanding testament to the Firm's commitment to inclusion," said Colin Murray, Baker McKenzie's North America Chief Executive Officer. "In the legal industry, our people are our greatest asset and intentionally building a culture where all are welcome and able to reach their full potential is a top priority for us."
Anna Brown, Baker McKenzie's Director, Global Diversity & Inclusion added, "We are thrilled to have received this important recognition from Diversity Lab. At Baker McKenzie, we strive every day for a more diverse and inclusive Firm.”
The Mansfield Rule was one of the winning ideas from the 2016 Women in Law Hackathon hosted by Diversity Lab in collaboration with Bloomberg Law and Stanford Law School and is named for Arabella Mansfield, the first woman admitted to practice in the United States.
Original source can be found here.