Instant Insights ›

Black History Month Highlights Lack of Progress in Diversifying the Legal Profession

The numbers of black partners remain woefully low at major law firms. At the same time, the legal profession is still not attracting young black people interested in pursuing a law degree. In this Instant Insights—as we recognize Black History Month—we look at efforts underway at the pipeline point and within Big Law to change the dynamic, as concern persists that law schools and firm leaders are not addressing the problem effectively.

Commentary

The Diversity Discussion: Big Law Partner Shares His Experiences to Help Change the Norm

Nathaniel Lampley Jr. | February 07, 2019

My own experience demonstrates that the combination of a conscious decision by a GC and a meaningful commitment by a law firm to give real opportunities to diverse attorneys can change the trajectory of a person’s career. I experienced this myself.

Commentary

OK, Your Law Firm’s Diverse, But in What Practice Areas?

Vivia Chen | February 08, 2019

Black partners were more dominant in the labor and employment field, generally a lower-paying practice area, according to a recent survey.
Profile

Kimberly-Clark In-House Counsel Has 'NEW' Idea for Black Women Lawyers

Angela Morris | February 04, 2019

Chasity Henry is founder of The NEW Roundtable, a group with the mission of empowering African-American woman lawyers, enhancing their careers and influencing the wider legal profession.
News

Georgetown Heads to Nation's High Schools to Attract Diverse Lawyers

Karen Sloan | February 07, 2019

The school is launching an initiative to send law students and its dean of admissions into as many as 30 underserved high schools across the country with a specific goal of inspiring students to get a law degree.
Commentary

The Unicorn Watch: New Black Partners

Vivia Chen | February 05, 2019

Finding black associates whom Big Law has promoted to partner is like searching for a tropical bird in the dead of winter.

News

Akin Gump Adds Diversity Executive From Wilmer as Client Pressures Ramp Up

Meghan Tribe | February 06, 2019

Nimesh Patel, Akin Gump's new chief diversity and inclusion officer, says "it’s terrific" that clients are becoming more demanding on diversity issues.