What Is The Role Of Small Law Firms In Promoting Diversity In The Legal Industry?

It is well-established that law is among the least diverse of all professions. In contrast to Biglaw, in the world of smaller legal practices there is a notable absence of diversity committees, mentorship programs, sensitivity training, pipeline initiatives, affinity groups, and all the other public indicia that firm resources are being applied to the promotion of diversity. However, as Carolyn Elefant has pointed out, there are countless small law firms that have been started by and/or managed by women and diverse attorneys whose achievements are largely unrecognized by the ABA and the industry generally.

We want to better understand the solo and small firm community’s perspective on diversity and inclusion.  Please take our brief survey and share your insight on the following topics (among others):

• Whether all law firms, regardless of size, should consider issues of diversity in recruiting, hiring, and staffing decisions;
• Whether diversity is a competitive advantage for small law firms; and
• Whether it is inappropriate for potential clients to consider a small law firm’s diversity when making hiring decisions.

Let us know what you think here. Thanks!