Global law firm Baker McKenzie has been granted the Mansfield Certification Plus recognition for the third consecutive year in honor of its ongoing inclusion and diversity efforts. The certification was presented by The Diversity Lab, an incubator for innovative ideas and solutions that boost diversity and inclusion in law.
The Mansfield Rule Certification recognizes firms that affirmatively consider at least 30% women, lawyers of color, and LGBTQ+ lawyers and attorneys with disabilities for recruitment, governance roles, equity partner promotions, and inclusion in formal pitch presentations to clients. The "Plus" status recognizes that, in addition to meeting Certification requirements, the Firm has achieved at least 30% diversity in a notable number of current leadership positions and committees. Baker McKenzie's North America Leadership team has exceeded the Diversity Lab's 30% target.
"Baker McKenzie is committed to expanding our capabilities, expertise, and depth of service offerings by bringing together diverse perspectives across our Firm leadership, practice groups, industry groups and business professional teams. This effort is a pillar of our strategy," said Colin Murray, Baker McKenzie's North America Chief Executive Officer. "Our mission is to create an organization where every person feels that they belong. We will continue embedding inclusion by investing in our people and by opening spaces for authentic discussion and exchange."
Earlier this year, Baker McKenzie launched its North America Inclusion and Diversity Report highlighting the impact of the Firm's inclusion and diversity efforts for employees and businesses across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Baker McKenzie's Mansfield Certification Plus designation follows other recognitions for its efforts in advancing an inclusive workplace, including being honored for 12+ years with a perfect score on HRC's Corporate Equality Index and being listed among the top 50 Best Law Firms for Women by Seramount (formerly Working Mother Media).
Marredia Crawford, Baker McKenzie's Director of Inclusion & Diversity for the Americas added: "The challenges 2020 and 2021 brought us underscored the urgency of creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace, and have helped us become stronger together. We've fostered community through meaningful dialogue, launched educational programming and initiatives, forged new partnerships and pledged billable hours to advance inclusion and diversity activities, and we will continue to do so into the future."
Learn more about Baker McKenzie's commitment to Inclusion and Diversity.