Jackson Walker proudly announces the Firm’s participation in the Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification process, which runs from July 2022 to July 2023. Designed to improve diversity within law firm and legal department leadership, the Mansfield Rule has become the standard for firms to track and measure their success in growing the diversity of their management committees, promoting attorneys from underrepresented communities to partnership, and ensuring diverse representation in client pitch meetings.

The newest version of the Mansfield certification is the most challenging yet. This year, the Mansfield 6.0 process requires participating firms to:

• Consider 30% historically underrepresented attorneys from all four groups when appointing to leadership roles, including in critical pipeline activities, and promoting into equity partnership;
• Consider 30% underrepresented individuals when hiring and promoting C-level professional staff roles;
• Monthly knowledge sharing forums;
• Create and internally publish job descriptions for leadership roles; and
• Meet routine check-in, data-collection, and reporting milestones.

“A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for our clients, our firm, and the overall legal community,” said Suzan Kedron, who chairs the Firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. “Diversity requires commitment, and Jackson Walker’s participation in the Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification process is an important reflection of our commitment to continue diversifying the Firm and the legal profession.”

“A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for our clients, our firm, and the overall legal community.”

In 2021, Jackson Walker joined the Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification process, beginning one of the largest D&I initiatives in Firm history. In addition, six Lawyer Resource Groups were created to promote diversity, cultural awareness, and an inclusive work environment. The Firm also formed leadership teams to better define objectives and success metrics on the four key areas of Cultural Awareness & Human Resources; Recruiting; Professional Development, Advancement, and Retention; and Marketing & Business Development.

For more information about the Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification, view the Diversity Lab website. Also, to explore the Firm’s commitment to creating a more inclusive environment for all, visit our Diversity & Inclusion page or view our recent Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter.