We actively recruit diverse attorneys – race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, geographic/cultural background – through numerous channels, including on-campus initiatives, minority bar associations and job fairs. We believe that a diverse workforce helps us serve our clients better and fosters an environment of cooperation, respect, creativity and mutual understanding in which everyone thrives.
Fenwick has implemented a number of initiatives to support and encourage our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, including:
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Steering Board and Action Committee: To refine existing diversity programs as well as plan and implement innovative new diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
- Women’s Caucus: Focused on building the leadership, management and business development skills of our women attorneys.
- Billable Credit for DEI-Focused Efforts: Everyone at Fenwick has a stake in sustaining and building our culture of inclusivity and excellence. In recognition of these contributions, Fenwick offers billable credit for time spent advancing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within the firm.
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Initiative: Partners commit to fulfilling a variety of diversity-promoting action items throughout the year.
- Bar Association Activities: To promote the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the broader legal community, Fenwick lawyers chair key diversity, equity and inclusion committees.
- Affinity Groups: Informal attorney groups centered on common interests and backgrounds to create a more comfortable and inclusive environment, formed for women, Asian, African American, Hispanic, LGBT and parenting members of the Fenwick community.
- 1L & 2L Diversity Scholarship Programs: A commitment to maintain strong representation of diverse attorneys in Fenwick’s summer program as well as participation in minority job fairs and interfacing with diverse law student groups. More information is available on our students career page.
- OnRamp Fellowship: Fenwick has participated in the OnRamp Fellowship, an innovative program for lawyers, frequently women, who are re-entering the legal profession after taking a hiatus from practice. Fellows receive a year-long paid internship, mentoring and training. More information is available by contacting recruiting@fenwick.com
- Mansfield Certification: Recognizes “trailblazing law firms” for their commitment to supporting diverse lawyers pursuing leadership roles and promotions. Fenwick was one of the first firms to partner with Diversity Lab to pilot the Mansfield Rule, obtaining Mansfield Certification for our commitment to diversity in 2018. Most recently, the firm received its Mansfield 6.0 Certification Plus status in October 2023.
- Vendor/Supplier Diversity: Fenwick seeks to expand the diversity of its supplier and vendor base, and asks vendors to commit to the same non-discrimination policies to which the firm adheres.
Fenwick is ranked among the 15 most diverse U.S. law firms by The American Lawyer, and consistently receives a 100 percent score (A+ rating) on The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index for our pro-LGBTQ policies and working environment. The firm achieved its Mansfield 5.0 Certification Plus status from Diversity Lab, was recognized as the Best Law Firm in North America for Diverse Women Lawyers by Euromoney and was also shortlisted for Outstanding Firm for Furthering Diversity and Inclusion by Chambers & Partners.