Legal Industry and Law Firms

The Challenge

VallotKarp partnered with a prominent Am Law 100 firm that wanted to enhance its diversity and inclusion efforts generally, and more specifically improve the retention of attorneys from underrepresented groups.  Our collaboration aimed to provide tools and skills to overcome obstacles to retention and development and enhance inclusion and belonging.

How We Helped

We began by working with partners on the firm’s DEI Committee.  We conducted confidential interviews to obtain individual perspectives on the firm’s current DEI efforts and identified strengths and potential obstacles to retention and development of underrepresented associates.  We used this data to design a workshop on identifying and interrupting unconscious bias and best practices, which we presented to partners. 

• We also presented workshops to senior associates on topics such as managing effectively across differences and developing inclusive leadership skills. These sessions provided actionable strategies for participants equipping them with the tools needed to become inclusive leaders and champion DEI.

• To engage mid-level associates, workshops focused on working effectively across differences and debunking myths and stereotypes. These dialogues fostered understanding and providing real-time feedback to everyone, enhancing cohesion within the firm.

• We conducted workshops for all managers and directors to equip them with tools for driving DEI progress within their teams.  Sessions covered inclusive leadership, managing team dynamics, and engaging in challenging conversations.

• At the firm's annual partner retreat, we addressed post-pandemic shifts in the legal landscape, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and ways to create high-performing teams. 

• Finally, we developed in-depth scorecards that provided the firm with additional resources to track and measure DEI progress at all levels.

The Impact

Through our collaboration, the firm has made significant strides in raising awareness of the issues that impede retention and development, providing attorneys and professional staff alike with the tools needed to shift behavior and promote greater inclusion.  Notably, feedback from workshop participants was positive, with many expressing newfound insights and a renewed commitment to driving change within their respective teams.  The firm has also been able to increase diversity across a wide range of identities sufficient to qualify for Mansfield Certification.