|
Fenwick & West views diversity as an asset to be developed, not as a problem to be solved. This has been a core component of the Firm's culture since our establishment.
- Open and inclusive work environment at all levels, including in our partnership and for our associates, legal support and administrative staff
- Generous array of benefits to promote diversity, including flexible work schedules, reduced billable hour requirements, backup childcare, on-site lactation room and domestic partner benefits
- Currently ranked as one of the most diverse large law firms in the United States
- Women represent almost 33% of all attorneys and 45% of non-partner attorneys
- Minorities represent 28% of all attorneys and 38% of non-partner attorneys
- The firm is actively promoting and supporting minority partners in leadership roles
- Women comprise over 30% of all executive management committees
- Racial minorities comprise 18% of all executive management committees
- The diversity of executive management committees has increased steadily over the last four years with each new partnership election
Diversity and Public Interest Summer Associate Fellowship – 2007.
In May 2007, Fenwick established a Diversity and Public Interest Associate Fellowship which will be presented to up to two summer associates. These associates will work with Fenwick & West for eight weeks during the summer of 2007. Thereafter, they will have the opportunity to work for a public interest organization that focuses on serving the legal needs of a diverse population.
The fellowship will provide an annual award to second year law students who demonstrate superior commitment to community service, exceptional leadership and outstanding academic performance.
Application Process: Candidates must have first accepted an offer from the firm to be a summer associate before they are eligible to apply for the Fellowship. Candidates must submit an essay not longer than two pages detailing their reasons for wanting to pursue the Fellowship, and how it will contribute to their professional life. Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of the essay, resume, academic achievement and interview.
Fenwick & West has been recognized by the following diversity awards:
Fenwick is committed to promoting diversity within the firm and throughout the profession. We believe that respect and acknowledgment of others' backgrounds creates a welcoming workplace that fosters cooperation, creativity, and mutual understanding. A diversity of backgrounds also allows us to view problems and solutions from a variety of perspectives, thus helping us serve clients better. Even in the context of American business, the legal profession has historically been less diverse than the client base, and Fenwick recognizes that diversity within the firm is essential to ensuring strong working relationships with our clients.
Lawyers hold a privileged position of power in society, and it is our responsibility to ensure that all people, including historically underrepresented minorities, have an opportunity to excel professionally in the law. Fenwick is committed to the professional development of all of its attorneys, including women, people of color, and other historical minorities. There should be no barriers except the individual's own desire and substantive ability to succeed.
This commitment to diversity extends to Fenwick's involvement with bar associations, pro bono work, and law schools. Many Fenwick attorneys are involved with associations such as the [Hispanic National Bar Association, La Raza Lawyers of California, Asian American Bar Association, Asian Law Caucus, Queen's Bench, Lambda Legal]. Through pro bono collaborations, we have provided legal services for many minority groups about issues such as immigration, human trafficking, domestic violence, HIV discrimination, and the use of "reparative therapy" against gays. We have established outreach programs that support law student groups and assist diverse students in entering law firm life. For example, Fenwick has presented forum discussions at various law schools about diversity issues, the transition from law school to law practice, and law firm culture. Other ways that we support diverse law students include sponsoring identity law journals and providing our facilities for student group retreats.
|
