Diversity and Inclusion – Page 18

Above the Law

Wells Fargo Faces Dual Racial Discrimination Lawsuits Amid Efforts to Dismiss Case on Alleged Sham Job Interviews

Pieter Gunst2 years ago02 mins

Wells Fargo finds itself grappling with legal challenges on multiple fronts as it faces two new racial discrimination lawsuits while simultaneously attempting to dismiss a separate lawsuit regarding alleged sham job interviews for minority candidates. The latest legal troubles could further complicate the bank’s efforts to manage its public image and operational integrity. These recent…

Above the Law

Top 10 Law Schools with the Most Diverse Faculty for 2024: Princeton Review Ranking Revealed

Pieter Gunst2 years ago03 mins

If you are considering applying to law school, one of the things you may want to consider in your search is finding a place where diversity is embraced, including among its faculty. As our readers know, the latest Princeton Review law school rankings are out, and today, we’ll focus on a category that’s important for…

Above the Law

Diversity in Biglaw: Top Firms Achieve 22% Minority Representation Among Equity Partners

Pieter Gunst2 years ago02 mins

The landscape of diversity within Biglaw equity partnership continues to be a focal point of discussion, particularly as firms strive to improve their inclusivity metrics. According to the latest 2024 Law360 Pulse Diversity Snapshot, two prominent Biglaw firms, each with more than 601 attorneys, have emerged as leaders in this arena. The report highlights that…

Bloomberg Law

A&O Shearman Introduces 2,000-Hour Billable Requirement for U.S. Lawyer Bonuses

Pieter Gunst2 years ago03 mins

A&O Shearman will require its US-based associates and counsel to meet a 2,000-hour “billable” mark to qualify for annual bonuses. This new policy, announced on Friday, highlights the emphasis on billable hours within the firm. Credits towards this benchmark can also be earned through pro bono work and “investment hours,” which include time spent on…

Law.com

Herbert Smith Freehills Reports Double-Digit Financial Growth Amid Increased Legal Service Demand

Pieter Gunst2 years ago01 mins

Legal Industry Update In a robust year of financial performance, Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has reported double-digit increases across several key metrics. This strong performance reflects the firm’s strategic approach and operational efficiency, positioning it as a significant player in the global legal market. According to recent financial data, the firm has seen notable growth…

Bloomberg Law

State-Led Cuts to DEI Initiatives Threaten Diversity and Inclusion in Public Universities

Pieter Gunst2 years ago02 mins

Public colleges and universities are reducing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, leading to layoffs of hundreds of employees in response to state-led efforts to limit or eliminate DEI practices. Critics argue that this pushback may cause significant harm to the institutions by alienating diverse talent pools and undermining the inclusive environment crucial to academic…

Above the Law

Lawsuit Alleges Discrimination Behind DEI Leader’s Firing at Armstrong Teasdale

Pieter Gunst2 years ago03 mins

The former Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leader of Armstrong Teasdale, Sonji Young, has filed a lawsuit against the firm, alleging that she was unjustly terminated for having an overly neat desk. This peculiar justification for her dismissal came from the firm’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Julie Paul, who reportedly stated that Young’s tidy desk…

The American Lawyer

“Linklaters Partner Aditi Srivastava on Navigating Diversity and Inclusivity in Global Legal Practice”

Pieter Gunst2 years ago01 mins

Aditi Srivastava, a seasoned partner in Linklaters’ structured finance practice, shares her experiences and insights as a gay partner in the legal industry. Having made partner in 2022, Srivastava’s journey in the legal world spans across continents, with significant stints in both London and Dubai. Srivastava is known for her fervent involvement in diversity and…

Law.com

Supreme Court Ruling Spurs Law Firms to Reaffirm Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Pieter Gunst2 years ago01 mins

The legal sector is confronting significant changes on the diversity front, particularly following the Supreme Court’s recent affirmative action decision. Darla Woodring and Reggie McGahee emphasize the imperative for law firms to uphold their dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion despite potential challenges. According to Woodring and McGahee, maintaining a diverse workforce requires a proactive…

Law.com

Daniel Abebe Appointed First Black Dean of Columbia Law School

Pieter Gunst2 years ago01 mins

Daniel Abebe, currently the vice provost for Academic Affairs and Governance at the University of Chicago Law School, has been appointed the next dean of Columbia Law School. This appointment marks a historic moment as Abebe becomes the first Black leader of the prestigious institution. Abebe will be taking over from Gillian Lester, who has…

Bloomberg Law

How Experimentation and Failure Drive Effective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

Pieter Gunst2 years ago05 mins

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become central themes for many organizations, fostering an environment where innovative approaches are encouraged, even if they lead to temporary setbacks. Deputy GC Amy Yeung, reflecting on her extensive experience in the tech industry, notes the importance of viewing failure not as a misstep but as a crucial component…

Above the Law

ACLU Sues Biden Administration Over New Asylum Rules Compared to Trump-Era Ban

Pieter Gunst2 years ago04 mins

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has launched a lawsuit against the Biden administration, challenging its new asylum rules. These regulations bear a striking resemblance to the Trump-era Muslim ban, but are principally aimed at asylum seekers from Latin America. The ACLU’s legal action underscores ongoing concerns about restrictive immigration policies being carried over from…

Law360

Federal Court Dismisses Bias Lawsuit Against NYU Law Review in Diversity Efforts Case

Pieter Gunst2 years ago01 mins

Legal News A New York federal court dismissed a lawsuit from a first-year law student at New York University, who identified himself as a straight white male, alleging that the NYU Law Review discriminates in its diversity efforts. The case centered around claims of bias within the institution’s selection process. The court’s decision represents a…

Bloomberg Law

California Considers Delaying Venture Capital Diversity Reporting Requirements

Pieter Gunst2 years ago02 mins

Continuing a well-established trend in California lawmaking centered around principles of diversity and inclusion, a new legislative proposal could potentially grant venture capitalists a grace period of one additional year to adapt to incoming regulations mandating diversity reporting amidst the startups they opt to fund. This proposed legislation is backed by Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration….

Bloomberg Law

Delaware Courts Advance in Diversity Efforts, Emphasize Long Road Ahead

Pieter Gunst2 years ago02 mins

Delaware’s judiciary has shown notable progress in improving diversity within its court system, which was predominantly populated by white male representatives up until 2022. Despite these advancements, the state’s top court acknowledges that there is still a significant journey ahead. As described in a recent report, the Delaware Supreme Court has conducted a comprehensive review…

Law.com

Rising Student Activism Affects Big Law Recruitment and Firm Scrutiny

Pieter Gunst2 years ago02 mins

Student activism has seen a remarkable increase in 2024, with a particular surge in pro-Palestine protests on campuses stretching from Columbia University to UCLA. The recent Israel-Hamas conflict and the subsequent casualty count have provoked significant student demonstrations, surpassing other events of this century, as noted by numerous interviewed history professors. Law students are particularly…

The American Lawyer

Maples Group Relocates to Neuroinclusive London Office, Pioneering Legal Industry Change

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

In an exciting development for neurodiverse legal professionals and their advocates, the Maples Group has relocated to a new neuroinclusive office in London. This move is an important signal to the legal industry worldwide about the vital importance of inclusive working environments that accommodate employees with varying neurological profiles. While specific details about the relocation…

Law360

FTC Appoints First Female Muslim American ALJ in Pursuit of Diversity and Inclusion

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

The Federal Trade Commission continues to bolster its bench of administrative law judges with the appointment of another legal luminary. This time, the commission has elevated a long-serving public servant who has already made her mark in the legal fraternity by becoming the first female Muslim American administrative law judge at the Maryland Office of…

ABA Journal

Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a Balanced Legal Industry Future

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

The legal industry, often critiqued for a lack of diversity, has increasingly turned its focus towards the development and implementation of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Their singular goal? To address and correct the prevailing lack of diversity within the industry. Many studies and statistics corroborate this issue. Women and minorities are underrepresented, particularly…

Above the Law

Navigating the ESG Landscape: A Three-Step Approach for In-House Legal Teams

Pieter Gunst3 years ago04 mins

The business landscape has greatly evolved over the years, with more and more key stakeholders including regulators, investors, and clients demanding transparent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures from corporations. Consequently, in-house legal teams have found themselves in the middle of this ESG conundrum, with ever-rising responsibilities and expectations. In addressing this challenge, three steps…

Law.com

The Recorder Announces 2024 California Legal Awards: New Categories and Nominations Open

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

The Recorder has recently announced the call for nominations for its 2024 California Legal Awards. The event, traditionally held in Northern California, has been relocated to the J.W. Marriott Live, downtown Los Angeles, set for October 15, 2024. Alongside the existing “Women Leaders in Tech Law” category, new categories such as “Vanguard Award,” “Lawyers on…

ABA Journal

Legal Recruiter Accused of Retaliation in Diversity Dispute: Addressing the Impact on the Industry

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In the escalating dialogue surrounding diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, Major Lindsey, a leading legal recruiter, has come under fire. A black associate has alleged in a recent lawsuit that the recruiter blackballed him for initiating a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against a BigLaw firm. As reported, the plaintiff, a former midlevel associate…

Bloomberg Law

State Legislation on DEI Trainings Faces First Amendment Challenges

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

State legislation limiting corporate diversity and inclusion trainings could potentially clash with the First Amendment. This conflict has recently come to light in an 11th Circuit case, challenging a Florida statute aimed at preventing what has been termed as “woke” trainings. Private companies are feeling the pressure to reconsider their communication strategies with employees concerning…

ABA Journal

Chicago Bears Lawsuit Raises Questions on Diversity Fellowship Legality

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

In an ongoing legal matter, a first-year law student from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago alleges that he was denied a legal diversity fellowship by the Chicago Bears due to his racial and gender identity. According to the lawsuit, the Bears football team allegedly refused to consider the student, citing that the fellowship…

Above the Law

LaVonda N. Reed: First Female Dean in University of Baltimore School of Law’s Century-Long History

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

The University of Baltimore School of Law recently announced that LaVonda N. Reed will become its first woman dean in nearly 100 years. Reed is currently serving as dean and professor at the Georgia State University College of Law. She is due to commence her new post on July 1. Reed, an alumnus of the…