As part of its commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion, Connell Foley is participating in the Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification process. An initiative of Diversity Lab, the Mansfield Rule helps increase the "representation of historically underrepresented lawyers in law firm leadership." Firms following the rule must consider "at least thirty percent women, lawyers from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, lawyers with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ lawyers for top leadership roles, senior-level lateral hiring, promotions into the equity partnership, and participation in client pitch meetings."
Neil Mody, co-chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee and chair of the Hiring Committee stated, “Connell Foley has a longstanding commitment to DEI, and it’s quickly become apparent that Mansfield Rule certification is an essential component for firms striving to achieve tangible progress in this area. This is just one of many steps that we are taking in an ongoing process, but it’s a crucial step that demonstrates our ability to respond to client and community needs while achieving the best results for the firm.”
The Mansfield Rule is entering its fifth year, and with "more than 160 large law firms" participating in the U.S. and Canada, it has become "the standard by which law firms track and measure" the increased consideration of groups in "historically underrepresented" groups. According to Diversity Lab, recent data indicates the Rule has been successful in achieving its goal, with "early adopter" firms having "increased the racial and ethnic diversity of their management committees by 30 times the rate of non-Mansfield firms."
Mansfield Rule Certification parameters are measured twice per year, and firms that meet the requirements are given the opportunity to send "newly promoted underrepresented partners to Client Forums to meet and learn from hundreds of influential legal department leaders."
