Shook Reinforces Commitment to Develop Underrepresented Attorneys

Shook has joined other large law firms in the United States and Canada in participating in the Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification process, which launches July 15, 2021. While Shook is already a recognized leader in the development of women, diverse, LGBTQ+ and disabled attorneys, participation in the Mansfield Rule certification process ensures a commitment to meaningful and measurable outcomes.

The Mansfield Rule tracks and measures the success of firms committed to 30% participation of underrepresented attorneys for top leadership roles, senior-level lateral hiring, promotions into equity partnership and participation in client pitch meetings.

“Day in and day out, we are deliberate about our development of women and underrepresented attorneys for promotion and client interaction,” said Shook Chair Madeleine McDonough, who was just re-elected for a second, five-year term starting in 2022. “It is rewarding to see participation grow and more new firms pledging to meet the Mansfield Rule, and Shook is honored to be among them.”

Shook is committed to creating a work environment where all people can make a difference through continued diversity and inclusion efforts. More than half of the firm’s executive committee is composed of women, and diverse attorneys and women lead a number of the firm’s largest practice areas and city offices including Chicago, Houston, Orange County and Tampa.

Diversity Labs, an incubator for innovative ideas to boost diversity and inclusion in law, announced that participation in the certification process has grown by 85%, with 47 new firms committed to the beliefs and ideals of the project. This year’s expansion also includes a new pilot in the UK with more than 10 leading law firms.