Lane Powell is proud to be participating in the Mansfield Rule 4.0 Certification Program, which aims to increase the representation of diverse lawyers in leadership roles at law firms by broadening the pool of candidates considered for such opportunities.
“Lane Powell knows it’s more important than ever to redouble our diversity efforts and to amplify the voices of attorneys of color, women, LGBTQ+ colleagues, and those with disabilities,” said Lane Powell President Barbara J. Duffy. “Through these efforts, we resolve to come out on the other side of this extraordinary time in our history stronger and more intentionally inclusive.”
Named after the first woman admitted to the practice of law in the U.S., the Mansfield Rule measures whether law firms have affirmatively considered at least 30 percent women, attorneys of color, LGBTQ+ and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities, and senior lateral positions. Firms are eligible for certification annually if they achieve the Rules’ requirements.
Participating in Mansfield 4.0 builds on Lane Powell’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, and adds accountability to its aspirations. The firm has received a 100 percent Corporate Equality Index rating by the Human Rights Campaign since 2016 and has been named one of Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s “top performers.” Lane Powell’s 2020 shareholder class is comprised of 60 percent women or people of color, and nearly 50 percent of the firm’s practice and industry teams are led by women or diverse individuals. But we must accelerate our progress so that these numbers are not extraordinary, but expected, and lead to more inclusive decision-making that positively impacts our clients, colleagues and communities. Mansfield 4.0’s systemic approach requires concerted action that will drive our progress on diversity, equity and inclusion.