Clark Hill Earns Mansfield Certification Plus for Growing Firm Leadership Diversity

Diversity Lab announced today that Clark Hill has achieved 2023-24 Mansfield Certification Plus recognition for expanding pipelines to firm leadership positions and providing transparency to firm attorneys on advancement processes.

Clark Hill is designated as a Mansfield Certification “Trendsetter” by having earned the certification since 2021 and committing to its goals for at least the next 2-4 years. This is the second year Clark Hill has also earned the “Plus” recognition.

“This is a great accomplishment for the firm to achieve Mansfield Certification for the third time and to achieve the Plus designation back-to-back,” said Clark Hill CEO John Hensien. “It’s a great recognition of our increasingly diverse leadership and Member roster, and we’re committed to building on the initiatives that were instrumental in this success.”

Mansfield Certification requires firms to consider at least 30% historically underrepresented lawyers, including women lawyers, underrepresented racial and ethnic lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities, and senior lateral positions. “Plus” certification requires firms to voluntarily report the outcomes of their inclusive processes.

“We’re thrilled with the results we’ve achieved in fostering an inclusive and equitable culture and that these efforts align with the goals of the Mansfield program,” said Linda Watson, Member and Chair of Clark Hill’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program. “We continue to work across the firm using programs, training, cultural celebrations, policy updates, and surveys, among other things, to promote inclusion, equity, and diversity at all levels.”

Diversity Lab reports that more than 75% of participating firms have significantly increased diversity in client pitch teams, lateral partner hires, and equity partner promotions. Mansfield Certified firms have seen a 41% growth rate in underrepresented racial and ethnic equity partners, compared to just 16% at non-Mansfield firms, and the number of women equity partners at Mansfield Certified firms is growing at nearly three times the rate of non-Mansfield firms.