At Warner, we are dedicated to creating an environment where people not only succeed but thrive. Our commitment lies in recruiting and retaining exceptional talent, providing equal opportunities for all to engage in meaningful work, and equipping them with the necessary resources to excel.
Mansfield Rule Certified
Warner achieved Mansfield Certification in 2024. This certification marks a significant step in shifting our firm culture and implementing procedural changes to foster a more diverse and equitable legal profession. As a certified firm, we actively track data to measure progress, document best practices, and continuously identify areas for improvement, ensuring that DEI remains a core component of our growth and success.
“The significance of Warner participating in the Mansfield Rule program is creating opportunity for all people within our firm. It forces us to assess and develop more formal processes surrounding hiring and promoting in a more intentional way, and in providing access to information that doesn’t leave anyone out. We’re excited about our participation and commitment to this standard.”
Warner has had its own recruitment policy since 2021 that requires 30% consideration of underrepresented groups for all open positions – both for attorneys and staff. We can successfully report that we’ve been above the 30% mark since that time.
- In 2022, we hired six new lateral attorneys, five of which were from underrepresented groups (83%). We also hired eight entry-level attorneys: four (50%) were from underrepresented groups and two (20%) were BIPOC.
- In 2022/23, we hired 11 summer associates for our summer associate program in 2023. Four (35%) were BIPOC.
Diversity Law Scholarship
Warner launched the firm’s inaugural $20,000 scholarship in 2022 to provide a 1L law school student with financial support as they work toward their law degree. In addition to the scholarship, the recipient is offered a summer associate position at the firm, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship. The scholarship aims to promote greater diversity within the legal profession and welcomes submissions from all students who demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“Warner’s DEI Scholarship signifies the firm’s continued commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. The result led us to finding an exceptional summer associate who is similarly passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and broader community, while also giving us the opportunity to make an additional investment in the success of this law student. I look forward to increasing our pipeline of diverse summer associates while also promoting the advancement and retention of diverse talent within the firm.”
Students are required to submit a personal statement, undergraduate and law school transcripts and a current resume. In addition to the scholarship, the recipient receives a summer associate position. Applications are reviewed by Warner’s DEI Manager and members of the Summer Associate Committee.
“Being a recipient of the diversity scholarship is a testament to the power of inclusivity. Joining Warner this summer with this honor fills me with pride and purpose. I'm excited to work with Warner's esteemed attorneys, learning from their expertise while contributing to the team."
Click here to learn more about Warner’s Diversity Law Scholarship.