Bressler recognized as one of more than 70 firms to achieve Certification status for 2021-2023
Florham Park, NJ (May 23, 2023) – Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. is proud to announce that the firm has received Midsize Mansfield certification from Diversity Lab. The Certification recognizes that the firm is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion by considering at least 30% women, attorneys of color, LGBTQ+ attorneys, and attorneys with disabilities for firm leadership and governance roles, equity principal promotions, all hiring, and participation in client pitches.
"The legal industry is experiencing a time of inclusive growth and change, and we are starting to see more firms ‘walk the walk' when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion," said Diana C. Manning, firm managing principal. "We are proud to be a Mansfield Certified firm taking deliberate actions towards change and to have made meaningful progress over the past several years."
To achieve Midsize Mansfield Certification, Bressler collaborated with Diversity Lab on an 18-month certification process to track, consider, measure, and achieve diversity efforts within all levels of the firm through transparency and accountability. Since starting the Midsize Mansfield certification process in September 2021, nearly 70% of Bressler's summer associates hired have been from historically underrepresented groups. Likewise, 68% of lateral hires and 50% of appointments to firm governance committees have been from historically underrepresented groups.
"We are incredibly proud to be among the law firms receiving their Midsize Mansfield Certification," said Louis F. Mendez, chair of the firm's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. "There is always more work to do, but Bressler remains committed to fostering a more inclusive workforce and creating a culture that supports and empowers all of our attorneys and staff."
In late 2020, Diversity Lab launched a new iteration of the Mansfield Rule developed for firms with between 25 and 150 lawyers in the U.S. and Canada. The Mansfield Rule aims to boost diversity in leadership by broadening the talent pool through "consideration goals" – not quotas – for leadership roles. The Mansfield Midsize certification process, modeled after the initial large firm version, has been fine-tuned to boost diversity in leadership for firms with smaller lawyer populations, fewer office locations, and leaner firm leadership structures. As of 2023, 275+ U.S. and Canadian law firms, 15+ U.K. law firms, and 80+ legal departments are participating in the certification process.
Added Manning, "We recognize that solving our client's legal issues requires us to build a talented team of diverse professionals. The data shows that our actions are paying off as we continue to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into all areas of our firm and business practices. This Certification underscores and confirms that our efforts are working."
To learn more about diversity at Bressler, visit the firm’s website.