Building a diverse team of attorneys is a core value at Morgan Lewis, and part of our strategic focus. We are a firm that emphasizes teamwork and collegiality; we value the differences in experience and outlook that our legal and nonlegal staff bring to the firm. We draw upon the strengths of knowledgeable and skilled individuals who represent a variety of viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds.
Our firm's chair, Francis M. Milone, drives our efforts to create a welcoming environment where anyone with talent and energy can succeed. His support, together with the support of others in firm management, makes our efforts real and substantial. Four examples illustrate this:
- The firm's 2007 Annual Partner Meeting focused on the topic of diversity. There can be no clearer message to the firm and its partners and staff about the importance of diversity. Few firms, if any, can claim to have demonstrated this level of commitment across the partnership.
- The firm hosts a biannual Attorney of Color Meeting, bringing together firm leaders, partners and associates, and senior management to discuss diversity as it relates to daily life at the firm and our clients' needs. The meeting focuses on topics such as enhancing diversity; forging relationships to network and enhance careers; and balancing work, community, and personal expectations. A participant from a minority bar association commended us for the quality and depth of the program. View images from the recent Attorney of Color Meeting.
- Through our annual Upward Review program, the firm measures partners on their individual commitment to enhancing diversity in their practice areas and across the firm. We ensure success by holding our attorneys accountable.
- The firm has a diversity partner focused on our efforts and achieving success. Our diversity partner coordinates and supervises the execution of the firm's diversity initiatives, working with the chair of the firm, the Diversity Committee, office managing partners, and practice group leaders to develop specific initiatives and overall diversity strategy. The diversity partner meets regularly with attorneys and staff throughout the firm—including focused discussions with minority, women, and LGBT attorneys—to generate ideas and to keep everyone informed of our activities and goals.
Morgan Lewis is fortunate to have received two important diversity awards this past year. The Minority Corporate Counsel Association recognized the firm with its Thomas L. Sager award for the Western Region, which is presented to law firms that demonstrate a commitment to a more inclusive working environment. In addition, the Hispanic National Bar Association awarded the firm its Corporate Partner of the Year award. These awards are meaningful to our attorneys and staff who work hard to achieve a positive and productive work environment.
For more information on how Morgan Lewis supports diverse leadership, recruiting initiatives, and other diversity efforts, please check this page regularly.