Diversity and Inclusion – Page 13

Law.com

Ex-Grammarly VP’s Lawsuit Highlights Workplace Disability Rights Under Scrutiny in California

Pieter Gunst1 year ago03 mins

In a legal battle drawing attention to workplace disability rights, former Grammarly Vice President Laura Hibben has filed a lawsuit accusing the communication technology company of disability discrimination and wrongful termination. Hibben’s 19-page complaint raises critical concerns about the obligations businesses have under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act to accommodate mental health conditions…

Law.com

Emerging Voice: How Younger Lawyers Are Shaping Change in Major Law Firms

Pieter Gunst1 year ago03 mins

During recent years, the traditionally reserved voices of associates in major law firms have become markedly more vocal, particularly in reaction to the political climate of the Trump era. The profession, often characterized by a culture of conservatism and caution, has seen a notable shift as younger attorneys challenge established norms and advocate for change…

Bloomberg Law

Wisconsin State Bar Modifies Diversity Programs Amid Legal Challenges Reflecting National Debate

Pieter Gunst1 year ago02 mins

The Wisconsin State Bar recently agreed to remove race from certain programs to settle a lawsuit, a decision reflecting ongoing national debates around diversity initiatives. In particular, the settlement involves altering the language of its Diversity MBA and Business Law Mentorship programs, ensuring race is no longer a determining factor. The lawsuit alleged that such…

Law360

Johnson & Johnson Contests Racial Bias Lawsuit, Seeks Sanctions in New Jersey Court

Pieter Gunst1 year ago03 mins

Johnson & Johnson is seeking sanctions against an attorney over what it characterizes as a “frivolous” lawsuit alleging racial bias. The contested claim revolves around J&J’s hiring practices and raises questions about diversity efforts within the company. The pharmaceutical giant has filed a motion in New Jersey, asserting that the attorney’s allegations are baseless and…

Bloomberg Law

ABA Reaffirms Diversity Commitment Amid Federal Pressure to Suspend Law School DEI Standards

Pieter Gunst1 year ago08 mins

The American Bar Association (ABA) has recently faced significant challenges regarding its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, particularly concerning law school accreditation standards. Despite these challenges, ABA President Mary Smith has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to DEI principles. In response to mounting pressure from the Trump administration, the ABA’s Council of the Section of…

Bloomberg Law

Texas Law School Deans Urge Supreme Court to Uphold ABA Accreditation Amid National Debate

Pieter Gunst1 year ago09 mins

In a recent development, deans from eight of Texas’ ten law schools have collectively urged the state’s Supreme Court to maintain its longstanding relationship with the American Bar Association (ABA) regarding law school accreditation. This appeal comes in response to the court’s consideration of ending the 42-year requirement that all lawyers admitted in Texas must…

Law360

Maryland Lawsuit Highlights Alleged Discrimination and Bias in Prominent Law Firm

Pieter Gunst1 year ago01 mins

A lawsuit filed in Maryland federal court accuses a prominent employee-side law firm of discriminatory practices against one of its Latino attorneys. The legal complaint alleges that the firm obstructed the attorney’s career growth, provided insufficient pay, and ultimately terminated his employment after he advocated for equitable compensation for a Black colleague, whose salary lagged…

Bloomberg Law

Federal Court Rules Against Yale Law Student’s Bid for Extended Dissertation Deadline

Pieter Gunst1 year ago03 mins

In a recent ruling, a federal court determined that Yale Law School is not required to allow a disabled graduate student additional time to complete her dissertation. The student, identified as Jane Doe, was seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent her discharge from the program. She argued that her disability was not adequately accommodated and…

Law.com

Big Law Firms Show Steady Progress in Diversity and Inclusion Efforts, Reports Show

Pieter Gunst1 year ago01 mins

Big Law firms continue to make incremental progress in their efforts to diversify, according to the latest insights from the American Lawyer’s annual talent report. The report indicates steady growth in the representation of nearly every underrepresented group within these firms. Importantly, no demographic groups have experienced a decline in representation this year, highlighting a…

Bloomberg Law

London Law Firms Rethink Diversity and Inclusion Stances Amid US Political Pressures

Pieter Gunst1 year ago03 mins

In a noteworthy shift amidst international political pressures, major London law firms have begun making strategic decisions regarding their public positions on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). According to reports by The Telegraph, several top-tier firms including Ashurst, Baker McKenzie, DLA Piper, Freshfields, and Linklaters have chosen to eliminate rainbow-themed logos typically used…

The American Lawyer

Kirkland & Ellis Appoints New Leadership Amid Shift in Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Pieter Gunst1 year ago01 mins

Kirkland & Ellis has reportedly made changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) team. The firm has replaced its director of global inclusion, Joi Bourgeois, with Grace Geronimo, who previously served as the associate director of firmwide inclusion. This shift comes amid reports of several other DEI professionals leaving the firm. For further details,…

Bloomberg Law

Supreme Court’s Unanimous Ruling Signals Shift in Discrimination Law Standards

Pieter Gunst1 year ago04 mins

Legal Analysis The United States Supreme Court’s recent decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services highlights an ongoing tension among its members regarding the treatment of discrimination claims, even in the context of a unanimous ruling. The court’s decision to discard the “background circumstances” rule indicates a pivotal shift in legal standards for…

Bloomberg Law

Goodwin Procter Faces Scrutiny Over EEOC Disclosure of Diversity Candidate Data

Pieter Gunst1 year ago02 mins

Goodwin Procter LLP, a prominent law firm, is under the spotlight following its decision to disclose more than 200 pages of data to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This move highlights a trend among certain law firms to avoid direct confrontation with the policies of the Trump administration. The detailed information shared by Goodwin…

The American Lawyer

Challenges and Progress: Examining Diversity in U.K. Law Firms Amid Global Changes

Pieter Gunst1 year ago01 mins

Law.com International recently hosted a webinar with industry experts to explore the current landscape of diversity and inclusion within U.K. law firms. The discussions involved insights from notable figures such as Lisa Kirby of Diversity Lab, Kate Dodd from Pinsent Masons, and Justine Thompson of the Interlaw Diversity Forum. The forum addressed issues in culture…

The American Lawyer

Exploring the Future of Law Firm Culture: Navigating Diversity and Inclusion Challenges

Pieter Gunst1 year ago01 mins

The focus on law firm culture, particularly in terms of diversity and inclusion, is gaining prominence as firms navigate an evolving landscape. Law.com International, in collaboration with Diversity Lab, is inviting legal professionals to a webinar scheduled for May 21 at 10 a.m. ET (3 p.m. BST). The session, titled “The Future of Law Firm…

Bloomberg Law

Goodwin Procter Enlists Proskauer Veteran Amid Federal Diversity Hiring Inquiries

Pieter Gunst1 year ago01 mins

Goodwin Procter has hired a partner from Proskauer Rose LLP, Allan Bloom, to lead its response to inquiries from federal and state authorities regarding its diversity hiring initiatives. These investigations are being conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and a contingent of a dozen state attorneys general. According to information obtained through a…

Law.com

Wells Fargo Faces Lawsuit Alleging Oversight Failures in Diversity and Inclusion Practices

Pieter Gunst1 year ago01 mins

Wells Fargo faces a derivative lawsuit from a shareholder alleging that the bank’s leadership failed to adequately oversee its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Filed by Johnson Fistel and Cooch & Taylor, the suit accuses Wells Fargo’s officers and directors of engaging in “sham” hiring practices intended to meet compliance requirements without genuine intentions…

Law.com

ABA Extends Suspension of Diversity Standard 206 Amid Federal DEI Program Scrutiny

Pieter Gunst1 year ago01 mins

The American Bar Association (ABA) has decided to extend the suspension of the enforcement of Standard 206 until August 31, 2026. This standard previously required law schools to demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives. The ABA’s decision comes as a reaction to prior government actions, specifically during the Trump administration. In February, efforts…

Law.com

2025 Elite Trial Lawyers Finalists: Recognizing Excellence in Litigation and Diversity

Pieter Gunst1 year ago02 mins

The finalists for the 2025 Elite Trial Lawyers have been announced. The National Law Journal has curated a list of outstanding law firms and attorneys recognized for their superior litigation and appellate accomplishments over the past year. This year’s honorees have demonstrated exceptional prowess in managing high-stakes litigation, innovative strategies in environmental, social, and corporate…

Bloomberg Law

EEOC’s Proposed Revision Threatens to Eliminate Nonbinary Option in Workforce Reporting

Pieter Gunst1 year ago02 mins

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is considering a revision that could significantly complicate compliance for numerous employers. A recently renewed employer report that aims to capture workforce demographics may no longer include a nonbinary identification option, a move poised to affect how businesses categorize their employees’ gender identity. The decision to eliminate the nonbinary…

Bloomberg Law

Law Firms Persist in Hiring DEI Leaders Despite Federal Pushback

Pieter Gunst1 year ago02 mins

Amid federal scrutiny and pushback on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, prominent law firms are actively seeking to fill DEI positions, signaling their commitment to these programs. Despite some law firms reportedly adjusting their DEI policies in response to federal pressure, others are forging ahead with their hiring plans. Law firm Stinson is in…

Bloomberg Law

Law Students Sue EEOC Over Privacy Concerns in Big Law Diversity Probe

Pieter Gunst1 year ago02 mins

In a legal challenge that raises pivotal questions about privacy and regulatory oversight, three law students have filed a lawsuit against the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over its investigation into diversity hiring practices at major law firms. The lawsuit, filed anonymously with the students identified as Doe 1, Doe 2, and Doe 3,…

Bloomberg Law

Skadden Law Firm Disbands Employee Affinity Groups Amid Diversity Scrutiny

Pieter Gunst1 year ago02 mins

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, one of the largest and most prestigious law firms, has recently decided to terminate its employee affinity groups’ events. This decision comes on the heels of an agreement with former President Donald Trump to circumvent compliance with an anticipated executive order. The law firm had, up until this…

Law.com

Prominent Law Firms Enlist Legal Giants as EEOC Diversity Inquiry Deadline Looms

Pieter Gunst1 year ago01 mins

As a deadline approaches for 20 law firms to respond to an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) inquiry regarding their diversity practices, several prominent firms have enlisted the expertise of leading litigation powerhouses. Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher have been retained as external counsel. Partner Bill Burck of Quinn Emanuel…

Law.com

Freshfields Revises U.S. Diversity Strategies in Response to External Pressures

Pieter Gunst1 year ago01 mins

Freshfields has taken steps to adjust its diversity and inclusion strategies within the U.S. Firm’s operations. Recently, it removed diversity-related content from its website and replaced references to ‘diversity’ with ‘culture’ on key pages dedicated to these initiatives. The firm also announced the retirement of its U.S. DEI targets after reportedly meeting or exceeding them….