Miller Canfield Recognized as a Leader in Law Firm Diversity
Miller Canfield announced today that it is the only Michigan-based firm to earn Mansfield Plus Certification, and one of only 24 nationwide to earn the designation three years in a row. Certification is awarded to law firms that meet high standards for significant representation of women and minority attorneys in firm leadership roles.
To earn Mansfield Certification from Diversity Lab, the leading incubator for innovative solutions to foster diversity and inclusion in law firms, firms must ensure that 30 percent of the candidates affirmatively considered in lateral hiring and promotions are women, attorneys of color, LGBTQ attorneys and attorneys with disabilities. One hundred firms earned certification in 2020. To earn the Plus designation, a firm must have also achieved representation of at least 30 percent women, minority, LGBTQ and disabled attorneys in a large number of key leadership roles and lateral hiring.
“We are tremendously proud of the work the firm continues to do in the areas of diversity and equity,” said Miller Canfield CEO Michael McGee. “Inclusivity is and always has been one of our core values. Our continued commitment strengthens us as individuals and as a firm.”
In August, Miller Canfield appointed Michelle Crockett to the newly created position of Chief Diversity Officer, deepening the firm’s pledge to create a diverse and equitable workplace.
As a result of Miller Canfield’s commitment to initiatives like Mansfield Certification and its internal goals and programs, the firm has made significant progress with respect to the representation of women and minority attorneys, specifically:
- 49% of Miller Canfield’s associates are women
- 40% of the firm’s non-equity principals are women
- 40% of managing directors are women
- 40% of resident directors are minorities and women
Diversity Lab announced on Sept. 15, 2020, that it is also partnering with more than 20 mid-sized firms (firms with fewer than 100 lawyers in the U.S.) to pilot the Midsize Mansfield Rule certification process.