An Unwavering Commitment to D&I
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s research overwhelmingly shows, ensuring diversity and inclusion in hiring, retention, and promotion within a law firm is a business necessity, not simply a matter of the right thing to do. It is a business necessity because diverse teams challenge conventional approaches to resolving problems, encouraging deeper thinking, and promoting creativity; and therefore producing better outcomes. To be successful, however, we must all be committed to diversity and inclusion efforts. Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP strives to have our diversity and inclusion initiatives intricately woven into the fabric of our firm’s strategy for success. We continue to heighten awareness, internally and externally, regarding the importance of diversity to the success of our firm. We continue placing significance on creating visibility around the firm’s diversity and inclusion mission. We are confident that our collective differences result in a strong and progressive firm culture, as well as a healthy bottom line.
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Making D&I a Priority With an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, MSK brings programming to its attorneys and staff on topics such as implicit bias in decision-making, the value of diversity, communication styles, and many others. The firm believes that is the only way to have diversity and inclusion embraced as a way of thinking—not just marketed as a strategic initiative. Breaking down mistrust, stereotyping, biases, and lack of cultural understanding is achieved by an organizational commitment by firm leadership, including MSK’s chairman, vice-chairman, chief marketing officer, and HR director, who serve on the firm’s D&I committee, and the firm’s diverse governing board.
Keeping the Team Informed MSK takes pride in holding recurring meetings to discuss updates on D&I initiatives and programs. Leadership also communicates regularly, via internal newsletters and other forms
of electronic communication, regarding the initiatives being supported by MSK in the area of Diversity & Inclusion, including the announcement of events the firm is supporting or new areas of D&I research.
Reaching Out The firm consistently communicates its D&I values through a variety of channels, including maintaining an up-to-date page (http://www.msk.com/careers-diversity) on MSK's website that presents the firm’s values and provides statistics regarding its D&I activities. In addition, informational sheets and statistics are displayed and provided at every recruiting event. Information about our D&I efforts is included in pitches for new business, so that perspective clients understand the importance of D&I at MSK. And Fortune 1000 clients regularly ask MSK representatives to provide the firm’s D&I statistics, which are always met with pleasant satisfaction because they exceed industry averages.