As part of its ongoing commitment to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal industry, Much is proud to announce it has successfully achieved Midsize Mansfield Rule Certification. Much, alongside only 25 other midsize law firms, participated in the pilot program and completed a collaboration with Diversity Lab that measured and tracked progress on diversifying law firm leadership.
"To best serve our clients and the community, we need diverse teams and leaders who bring a variety of experiences and perspectives to the table," said Co-Chairman Mitchell Roth. "Our partnership with Diversity Lab and participation in the Mansfield Rule initiative is crucial to our efforts to create more inclusive spaces for people throughout the legal industry."
After achieving its Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certification in 2020, Much committed to participate in the inaugural midsize initiative. The program is tailored for firms with smaller lawyer populations, fewer office locations, and leaner firm leadership and governance structures. The certification period was 18 months, running from September 15, 2020 to March 15, 2022.
Designed to expand on the successes of the original Mansfield Rule, the Midsize Mansfield Rule Certification measures whether participating law firms have affirmatively considered at least 30 percent women, attorneys of color, LGBTQ+ attorneys, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, and formal client pitch opportunities. The Midsize Mansfield Rule program has grown to over 140 law firms across the U.S. and Canada.