The study, entitled “Sustaining Pathways To Diversity: The Next Steps in Understanding and Increasing Diversity & Inclusion in Large Law Firms,” is based on questionnaires completed by more than 4,000 attorneys at 124 different large firms.
Some findings:
- The study found that fitting in with the majority culture at a firm is actually a better indicator of long-term success than top-tier law school credentials.
- When it comes to professional development, landing plum assignments, and receiving satisfactory coaching and feedback, whites enjoy a significant advantage over all minorities.
- There is a feeling among white men that minorities hired at firms are less qualified, even if they graduated from top law schools, because they were admitted through affirmative action programs.
- The women and minority lawyers surveyed were less likely than their white male counterparts to feel that they are treated as equals by their peers. Also, 75% of white attorneys perceived that they had access to the training and development they needed, compared to 59% of minorities.
- But the majority of minorities and women surveyed said they don’t think they are victims of race or gender discrimination.