Fredrikson & Byron has achieved Mansfield Rule 4.0 Certification and Certification Plus status from Diversity Lab for demonstrating unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and making meaningful progress on diversifying law firm leadership.
“While we are proud to receive both certification and certification plus status again in 2021, we recognize we must continue our efforts to invest in the development, promotion and success of our colleagues in pursuit of a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment,” said Mary Ranum, Inclusion & Diversity Committee co-chair.
To achieve Mansfield certification, law firms must consider at least 30 percent historically underrepresented lawyers—women, attorneys of color, LGBTQ+ and lawyers with disabilities—in at least 70 percent of enumerated categories including leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities and senior lateral positions. Certification Plus status is awarded to firms that not only meet the consideration thresholds, but also achieve 30 percent representation in 70 percent of the categories.
"We are thrilled to celebrate these firms that have worked so tirelessly to implement the Mansfield Rule principles and create inclusive workplaces where every lawyer has the ability to thrive and the opportunity to lead,” said Natalia Marulanda, Mansfield Rule Director at Diversity Lab. “Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, the Mansfield Rule certified firms have not deviated from their goal of ensuring that law firm leadership reflects the rich diversity of the profession. We are enormously proud to work with such a committed group of firms."
The Mansfield Rule is named for Arabella Mansfield, the first woman lawyer admitted to the practice of law in the United States. The Mansfield Rule is one of the winning ideas of the 2016 Women in Law Hackathon, hosted by Diversity Lab in collaboration with Stanford Law School and Bloomberg Law.
Diversity Lab is an incubator for innovative ideas and solutions that boost diversity and inclusion in law. Learn more about Diversity Lab and the Mansfield Rule at www.DiversityLab.com.
Fredrikson & Byron is a leading Midwest law firm working collaboratively to help businesses achieve their goals regionally, nationally and globally. With a reputation as the firm “where law and business meet,” our attorneys bring business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking to work with clients and operate as business advisors and strategic partners as well as legal counselors. The firm’s 300+ attorneys are based in Minneapolis, with offices in Bismarck, Des Moines, Fargo, Mankato, St. Paul, Saltillo, Mexico, and Shanghai, China. Learn more at fredlaw.com, LinkedIn or @FredriksonLaw.
Media Contact: Kelly Griffith, 612.492.7514, kgriffith@fredlaw.com.