Amidst the growing hype around artificial intelligence (AI), professionals are reminded of the time when the term “cloud” was the term du jour, finding its way into every offering and presentation. Such buzz often masks a lack of clarity about the real characteristics and potentials of today’s AI. With AI having its roots back to…
As legal professionals practice in an increasingly complex landscape, being at the forefront of evolving legislation is crucial. This includes pay equity requirements, an issue of growing importance and rapid transformation particularly in the United States. Women, people of color, and individuals with disabilities continue to earn significantly less than non-Hispanic white men for the…
We are pleased to inform you that the call for nominations for the 2024 Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards is now open. The categories for this year’s awards have been redefined, inviting nominations across a broad spectrum of law firm, in-house, and provider categories. The deadline for award submissions has been extended to October…
As Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs gain traction within big corporations and law firms, legal issues challenging these initiatives also mount. Recently, a critical move has risen in the legal horizon. The American Alliance for Equal Rights (Alliance) has rolled out lawsuits against two of the nation’s largest law firms. These two lawsuits argue…
In an effort to protect and uphold their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, large law firms (Biglaw) are embracing new guidance amid ongoing attacks on these initiatives. The New York State Bar Association task force, led by Julie Jones, chair of Ropes & Gray, has created a plan to assist these firms in safeguarding…
In the realm of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) regulatory developments, September 2023 has come in full steam ahead, as reported by JD Supra. Following a brief summer pause, some developments of note have ensued in ESG regulation, including the launch of the final proposals by the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). The intent…
In a climate of continued growth, Kirkland & Ellis has announced its largest-ever partner class. Not only does the firm offer a distinct combination of prestige, profitability, and pay, but it has made a notable impact in the market regarding its partner count. The Chicago-based firm has just announced its most recent partner class, which…
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) have recently unveiled their long-anticipated consulatations on diversity and inclusion (D&I) policy, linked to financial services firm misconduct. Detailed in separate but related papers from each authority (FCA CP23/20 and PRA CP18/23), these consultations follow a joint Discussion Paper issued in July 2021. The…
As the financial sector continually faces challenges in its attempts to foster a more diverse and inclusive environment, the UK has taken a step towards progressive change. Specifically, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), have jointly released a consultation on a new regulatory framework aimed at improving diversity and inclusion…
Restaurant chain Chipotle faces a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) following allegations that a manager attempted to remove a Muslim employee’s hijab. The manager is also blamed for not scheduling the Muslim employee for work shifts, as initially discussed by Law.com Radar. Chipotle, a well-known player in the fast casual…
On September 25, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published its consultation paper CP23/20 titled “Diversity and inclusion in the financial sector – working together to drive change”. The objective of the paper is to emphasize the necessity of diversity and inclusion within prominent firms in the financial sector. This initiative was taken in conjunction with…
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has lodged a lawsuit against Asphalt Paving Systems (APS), an asphalt paving company with locations in Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Tennessee, alleging racial harassment of their employees. According to the complaint, black employees were subjected to a hostile work environment that included racial slurs, threatening conduct, and…
The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has recently shed light on its initiative to boost diversity and inclusion (D&I) within the financial services sector. The initiative, first published in a consultation paper on 25 September 2023, outlines proposed measures with the potential to make a significant impact on systematic practices within not only financial…
In recent times, understanding the progress of diversity within the legal profession has become of paramount importance. In a recent webinar, Leopard Solutions, a renowned data provider, presented its latest interpretation of diversity trends in the legal industry. The findings were based on both a broad review of existing data and a comprehensive survey specifically…
In a move that has been awaited by professionals in the financial sector, both the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) made public their proposals to introduce a regulatory framework for diversity and inclusion in the financial sector on 25 September 2023. The information comes from statements published by Hogan Lovells….
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death and subsequent widespread protests against racial inequity in 2020, corporations have been confronting intensifying stakeholder pressure to take substantive action on diversity issues. This has often manifested in bolstering or implementing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. For many companies, their commitment to racial justice has involved establishing…
In the aftermath of recent lawsuits challenging the diversity efforts of educational institutions, and with a United States Supreme Court that may be receptive to arguments which oppose diversity, it has become all the more essential for companies to maintain a firm stance supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives. This opinion has been advocated by Licha…
As part of their ongoing commitment to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), the Holland & Knight Diversity and Inclusion Committee is following and studying normative and jurisprudential changes. This includes a focus on ‘acciones afirmativas para mujeres en materia penal’ or affirmative actions for women in criminal matters in Colombia. The firm’s global…
Recent shifts in the global societal landscape have sparked an increasing focus on racial, ethnic, and gender diversity, particularly within the structures of corporate governance. Investors, regulators, and employees alike are scrutinizing public companies’ commitments to diversity in their workforce, especially on their boards. The UK is no stranger to such developments. These ongoing discussions…
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP, a prominent international law firm, recently revised its criteria for diversity and inclusion scholarships. Prior mentions of these scholarships being awarded specifically to law students who identify as part of an underrepresented group have been excised from their official website. This decision seems to indicate a shift in how the…
Recent inside news from Gunderson shows what seems to be a correlation between work culture and the firm’s presence on ‘Above the Law’ (ATL). Various important aspects straddling around the summer associate program, changes in diversity fellowship criteria, and notably, the status of job security are being ushured to be worthwhile to dig into. Starting…
In a critical development for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the globe, a recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in universities has stirred up controversy and concern. Given this significant shift in legal landscape, a pertinent webinar named ‘How Will The Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action Ruling Affect Workplace DEI Programs?’ is being…
In a recent development, Illinois healthcare providers have been mandated to undergo a culture competency training. This move seeks to enhance patient satisfaction and the quality of care by improving the level of cultural competence among providers. This newly mandated training forms an integral part of the ongoing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives…
Opponents of diversity programs are employing an unexpected tool in their litigation: a law dating back to the American Civil War era. A spate of suits filed on behalf of white workers in the wake of the US Supreme Court decision that made affirmative action in higher education unlawful, are leaning on a statute originating…
In light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision surrounding affirmative action use in higher education admissions, it seems employers may need to re-evaluate their diversity policies. The case, Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, ruled against the use of affirmative action in admissions processes within higher education institutions….