Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has earned Mansfield Certification for 2023-24 from Diversity Lab for its commitment to diversity in hiring and advancement practices.
The goal of Mansfield is to increase diversity in law firm leadership by broadening and increasing transparency for who is considered for influential leadership committees, roles and opportunities. The program works with law firms to track and evaluate appointments, elections, promotions and other critical activities that impact the pipeline of diverse candidates.
“We’re very pleased that our work in diversity, equity and inclusion has enabled us to receive Mansfield Certification,” said Warner Managing Partner Mark Wassink. “This process underscores our commitment to ensuring the firm is intentional in providing equitable opportunities for all attorneys and staff in terms of recruitment, advancement and leadership.”
Mansfield’s focus is on “opening the door wider” and ensuring opportunities for advancement are transparent and inclusive for everyone. Warner began the year-long structured certification process in summer 2023. Each year, the certification process evolves, becoming more challenging. The Mansfield Certification consists of four main pillars:
- Increasing transparency and documentation: Providing job descriptions, processes and guidelines for leadership roles, such as managing partner, management committee, executive partners and practice group chairs. This ensures clarity about how to apply for and achieve these roles.
- Expanding the field of consideration and access to career development and advancement: Ensuring diversity among attorneys who participate in responding to requests for proposals, pitching work to new clients or providing information for submissions to Chambers rankings.
- Establishing data tracking processes: Affirming at least 30% of attorneys considered for leadership roles and new business opportunities are from underrepresented groups.
- Knowledge sharing: Joining knowledge calls that bring together law firms new to the Mansfield process and those who are recertifying to share best practices and discuss challenges.
“Going through this certification process affirms the DEI work we have been doing aligns with best practices in our profession,” said Warner DEI Manager Mandice McAllister. “It’s also highlighted areas where we have room to grow. We’ve particularly appreciated the opportunity to connect with other law firms on this journey to both benefit from their expertise and to share our knowledge.”
Over the past two decades, Warner has prioritized diversity by improving internal practices and creating more equitable opportunities for attorneys and staff. The firm’s most notable work includes:
- Establishing a DEI Action Committee that creates the processes, strategies and opportunities for the firm’s DEI efforts. These are reported in the firm’s DEI Annual Report, which has been issued annually since 2006.
- Creating a hiring policy in 2021 requiring at least 30% of candidates for all open positions to be from underrepresented groups. The firm has had two consecutive classes of summer associates with more than 60% of people of color and women.
- Providing more than $303,000 in scholarships and other financial support to prepare students who are underrepresented for success in the legal profession.
- Hosting quarterly town halls and lunch-and-learn training opportunities to provide a forum for open dialogue on expanded competency on DEI-related topics such as allyship, generational diversity and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
- Launching resource groups for attorneys and staff of color or who identify as LGBTQIA+ to provide opportunities for dialogue and engagement, mentoring and professional development and community outreach.
The 18th edition of Warner’s DEI Annual Report can be read online.
About Warner
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
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