Lane Powell is pleased to announce that it has earned Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification Plus status for 2022 from Diversity Lab. This marks a continuation of the firm’s Certification Plus status achievement last year in Mansfield Rule 4.0. The Mansfield Rule program measures how women, attorneys of color, LGBTQ+ attorneys, and attorneys with disabilities are considered in a firm’s recruitment, promotion, pitches, and firm leadership role selection processes. The “Plus” certification indicates that Lane Powell has reached at least 30 percent underrepresented lawyer representation in current leadership roles, including the firm’s Board of Directors, Practice Team Leaders, and Equity Shareholder promotions, in addition to meeting the program’s baseline certification requirements.
Lane Powell President, Barbara J. Duffy stated, “Earning certification in Mansfield Rule 5.0, after doing so in the 4.0 program last year, reflects that fostering inclusivity and diversity continues to be an integral part of our vision as a firm, and it is something we are incredibly proud of. Improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession requires consistent and tangible efforts from all of us in this industry — and we remain firmly committed to taking part in the Mansfield Rule as we look to the future.”
Lane Powell Director of Professional Development and Diversity Melissa Berry noted, “The Mansfield Rule plays a very significant role in the collective efforts of our industry to make the legal profession more diverse and inclusive. We are proud and excited to once again have achieved Certification Plus status. Initiatives like these are necessary to moving the needle in our profession and ensuring the ongoing success of our firm.”
Lane Powell has routinely been recognized by industry groups for cultivating a diverse and inclusive work culture. In addition to the Mansfield Rule 5.0 certification, the firm has been recognized as a Top Performer by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity for six years, as one of the Nation’s Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign for six consecutive years, and as one of the Best Law Firms for Women by Seramount.