Collins Einhorn Farrell PC is pleased to announce that it has joined the Midsize Mansfield Rule 2021-2023 cohort to bolster its efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Over the next 18 months, Collins Einhorn will work to evaluate and improve current practices to increase diversity and inclusion in the firm. To do this, Collins Einhorn will collaborate with over 50 other midsize law firms around the country through Mansfield’s knowledge-sharing calls, resource library, message board, and client forums.
The Diversity Lab, an incubator for innovative ideas and solutions that boost diversity and inclusion in law, launched the Mansfield Rule in 2018. It added a Midsize Mansfield Rule in 2020 to increase diverse lawyers’ representation in firms with smaller lawyer populations, fewer office locations, and leaner firm leadership structures.
Mansfield Certification is only available to midsize firms that consider at least 30% historically underrepresented lawyers for a majority of their hiring opportunities, management roles, and leadership activities. To meet this requirement, participating firms will track their progress in several categories. At regular intervals throughout the 18-month period, the firms will evaluate and discuss these data points. This intentional evaluation and improvement process spurs midsize firms to consider more women, LGBTQ+ individuals, individuals with disabilities, and racial/ethnic minorities for employment and opportunities to grow within the firm.
In midsize firms, the certification process reaches positions at every level—from entry-level and lateral attorney job openings to leadership opportunities, equity partner promotions, and opportunities to connect with clients. Mansfield Certification also places an emphasis on transparency in leadership and advancement, including transparent position descriptions and transparent appointment/election processes.
“Collins Einhorn is honored to join the Midsize Mansfield Rule,” said Collins Einhorn CEO and co-managing shareholder Theresa Asoklis. “Diversity and inclusion are important to us as a firm, and we are excited to add the Diversity Lab’s help and guidance to our ongoing efforts.”
Collins Einhorn’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and Policy & Compliance Subcommittee will take the lead in implementing the Mansfield initiatives. DEI Committee Chair Kellie Howard-Goudy said, “The Midsize Mansfield Rule’s structure and support are pivotal resources as we expand upon our existing policies and programs to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at the firm.”