For the third year in a row, Varnum has achieved Mansfield Rule Certification, a program for law firms designed to ensure inclusive talent practices that increase diversity in firm leadership.
Mansfield Certification, awarded by Diversity Lab, measures the structural changes and steps taken over the past year to ensure that paths to leadership – including lateral hiring, client pitch teams, promotions and appointments – are open and transparent to all qualified lawyers.
“Varnum is pleased to be among the 365+ firms across the globe who achieved certification this year. We are committed to providing unbiased development opportunities and expand opportunities for all attorneys,” said Varnum Executive Partner Scott Hill.
The year-long certification process includes tracking decisions about who is considered for appointments, elections, promotions and other critical activities to ensure that a broad range of talent is considered. The process does not exclude anyone; it rather ensures that the talent pipeline includes additional qualified talent.
Although the certification program is relatively new, research indicates that focusing on and tracking who is in the pipeline has had positive results in diversifying leadership positions.
“Achieving Mansfield Certification once again reaffirms our firm’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Varnum DEI Committee Chair Shalini Nangia. “The certification process helps ensure that our leadership reflects a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds, and we are dedicated to maintaining this progress.”