Global law firm Baker McKenzie has once again achieved Mansfield Certification Plus status for Mansfield 5.0, the fourth consecutive year the Firm has received this honor in recognition 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, underrepresented racial and ethnic lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for top leadership roles, senior-level lateral recruitment, equity partner promotions and inclusion in formal pitch presentations to clients. The "Plus" status recognizes that, in addition to meeting the Certification requirements, the Firm has officially achieved this diversity requirement in a notable number of current leadership positions and committees.
It takes a lot of work for firms to make even incremental changes to longstanding systems, and it is an absolute honor for the Diversity Lab team to see what these firms have achieved over the course of the year-long certification cycle,” said Kavita Ramakrishnan, Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Rule and Knowledge Sharing Senior Director. “The firms enthusiastically engaged with Mansfield’s rigorous challenges while sharing learnings with each other to ensure a collective ‘win.’ Every Certified and Certified Plus firm should take great pride in this hard-earned accomplishment!”
Baker McKenzie’s commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity is exemplified by the Firm's many notable diversity and inclusion strategic initiatives, programs and efforts aimed at advancing an inclusive workplace for all. As part of the Gender Aspirational Targets (GATs) initiative, for example, the Firm set a target date of July 1, 2025 to reach 40:40:20 percent gender diversity — to represent 40% women, 40% men and 20% flexible (women, men or non-binary persons). This target applies to Partners, senior business professionals, Firm committee leadership and candidate pools for recruitment. Also targeted by 2025, racial/ethnic minorities are to comprise 15% of Principals, 20% of National Partners and 15% of Leadership.
Another notable Baker McKenzie program, bConnected, pairs mid-level associates of color with senior partner advocates. This 12-month, comprehensive program focuses on enhancing the retention, promotion and development of participants while continuing to build and embed a culture of inclusion and belonging. We also continue to strengthen our inclusive networks such as the North America I&D Committee, North America Antiracism Task Force, BakerPride+Allies and BakerWomen. The Firm is committed to meeting these and other goals through investment in initiatives including development and leadership, recruitment, organizational, client and community.
“We continue to expand the depth and breadth of our programming and initiatives aimed at furthering our inclusion, diversity and equity goals,” said Colin Murray, Baker McKenzie's North America Chief Executive Officer. “Through meaningful dialogue, new partnerships and programs, and investment in our people, we are building a culture of trust and inclusion where everyone can feel safe and vulnerable. This Mansfield Certification Plus reflects the progress we have made, while we continue our focus on the journey still ahead.”
Baker McKenzie's Mansfield Certification Plus designation follows other recognitions for the Firm's efforts in advancing an inclusive workplace, including a perfect score on HRC's Corporate Equality Index for 12 consecutive years, listed among the top 50 Best Law Firms for Women by Seramount, part of EAB (formerly Working Mother Media) and named Outstanding Firm for Diversity & Inclusion by Chambers & Partners North America.
Learn more about Baker McKenzie's commitment to Inclusion and Diversity.