How to Evaluate a Firm's Diversity Record

Every major firm has a diversity page on their website. Most feature similar language about commitment and inclusion. The question is whether the numbers match the words.

Where to Find Real Data

NALP Directory. Firms self-report demographic data to NALP, including the percentage of associates and partners who are women and/or people of color. It's not perfect, but it's standardized and comparable.

AmLaw Diversity Scorecard. The American Lawyer publishes an annual diversity scorecard ranking firms on demographic representation. This is one of the most widely cited sources.

The firm's own reports. Many firms now publish annual diversity reports. Look for specific numbers, percentages at each level from associate to equity partner, not just aspirational language.

The firm directory aggregates key data points to help you compare firms on diversity metrics alongside practice areas and other factors.

What to Look For

Partnership numbers. Associate diversity is important, but partner diversity tells you whether diverse attorneys actually advance. A firm with 40% diverse associates and 10% diverse equity partners has a pipeline problem.

Retention. Are diverse associates staying as long as their peers, or is there a pattern of early departures? High diverse attrition with strong diverse hiring means the firm recruits well but doesn't retain.

Leadership representation. Who's on the management committee? Who leads practice groups? Diversity in leadership positions indicates genuine institutional commitment.

Questions to Ask During Recruiting

• "What does retention look like for diverse associates compared to the overall class?"
• "Can you tell me about mentorship programs specifically designed for diverse associates?"
• "Who are some diverse partners in [your practice area of interest]?"

Avoid: asking vague questions about "the firm's commitment to diversity." You'll get a rehearsed answer. Ask for specifics.

Red Flags

• A diversity page with no numbers.
• Affinity groups that exist on paper but rarely meet.
• No diverse attorneys at the partner level in the practice area you're interested in.
• Deflecting specific questions with general platitudes.

The Honest Assessment

BigLaw as an industry has significant diversity challenges, particularly at the partnership level. No firm has solved the problem. But some are genuinely trying harder than others, and the data helps you tell the difference. Read more about evaluating firms in our firm culture guide.