The Inclusion Blueprint provides a first-of-its-kind tool to measure the inclusion activities that law firms can and should employ – at both the leadership and practice group levels – to ensure that historically underrepresented lawyers have fair and equal access to quality work, influential sponsors and clients, and other opportunities
The assessment includes three main categories for law firms to track, measure, and benchmark their diversity and inclusion efforts at the leadership and practice group levels: (1) current diversity representation thresholds and year-over-year progress; (2) ongoing inclusion practices and activities; and (3) a commitment to ‘hard’ actions to be implemented over the next year.
To put the commitment to “Do Something Hard” into action, the firm will participate at both the Leadership and Practice Group levels. At the Leadership level, the firm has committed to providing 50 hours of billable credit for DEI contributions and conducting a pay and origination credit equity gap analysis for all partners that measures compensation and business development/expansion credit gaps across demographic populations.
At the Practice Group level, individual practice group leaders have signed on and agreed to the Ally Action Pledge, which asks a majority of the partners in the firm’s practice and industry groups to advocate for and champion at least one diverse associate or junior partner by: (a) actively managing their workload to ensure they receive career-enhancing and skills-building work that will help them advance; (b) introducing them to at least 3 partners who will help them expand their client relationships and/or work opportunities; and (c) introducing them to at least 3 client contacts who will support their efforts to gain career-enhancing work, and/or business generation and credit. Reed Smith will be represented by its Corporate, Financial Industry Group, Global Regulatory Enforcement, Intellectual Property, and Labor & Employment practices as pledge signatories.
“From diversity scorecards and all personal business inclusion groups to 50-hour diversity credits and client inclusion leaders, Reed Smith has long embraced the hard work required to bring about change within our firm and across our profession,” said John Iino. “All of our people – leadership, lawyers, and staff alike – remain committed to answering the call towards diversity, equity, and inclusion, and look forward to introducing new and creative ways to further advance the mission of Diversity Lab, ChIPS, and other firms participating in the Inclusion Blueprint.”
A copy of the release announcing the Inclusion Blueprint and participating firms can be found on the Diversity Lab website.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. Our belief is that by delivering smarter and more creative legal services, we will not only enrich our clients’ experiences with us, but also support them in achieving their business goals.
Our long-standing relationships, international outlook, and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for the speedy resolution of complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.
For further information, please visit reedsmith.com.
