Since 2020, Tucker Ellis has participated in the Mansfield Rule, an annual certification process that aims to boost diversity in law firm leadership. We are proud to have achieved the highest level of certification on our first attempt and in each subsequent iteration of the Mansfield Rule.
The Mansfield Rule, administered by Diversity Lab, addresses the dearth of diverse attorneys in positions of law firm leadership by setting benchmarks to measure whether firms have affirmatively considered at least 30% female lawyers, lawyers of color, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities, and senior lateral positions. This initiative encourages law firms to actively staff matters with diverse attorneys and, in turn, will result in the recruiting, hiring, and retention of more diverse attorneys.
While diversifying pitch teams is an important goal, simply having a seat in the meeting is not enough. We have put into place specific processes for logging in and addressing each RFP and pitch and tracking the diversity statistics for attorneys, paralegals, and any other staffing proposed for the engagement. For each successful pitch and proposal, our marketing and accounting teams work diligently to pull and review timekeeper reports to confirm that the attorneys proposed in the pitch are also staffed and actively working on new matters.
2024–2025 Mansfield Rule
In 2024, we renewed our commitment to the Mansfield Rule by joining the 2024–2025 cycle. The latest version of the Mansfield Rule expands the scope and increases the rigor of the certification process from previous cycles, with the goal of boosting and sustaining inclusivity and diversity in law firm leadership. In Diversity Lab’s press release, Tucker Ellis was recognized among “Early Adopters–Firms That Consecutively Achieved Mansfield Certification for 5–6 Years & Remain Committed.”
Mansfield Certified Plus
Reflecting the depth of our commitment to boost diversity in our firm’s leadership, Tucker Ellis is proud to have achieved the highest certification level – Mansfield Certified Plus – on our first attempt and in each subsequent iteration of the Mansfield Rule. This higher level of certification is awarded to firms that have not only considered but also achieved the 30% benchmark in addition to meeting other criteria.
Disability Inclusion Commitments
In 2023, Tucker Ellis joined Diversity Lab’s Disability Inclusion Commitments, which provide actionable steps for organizations seeking to increase inclusion and equitable access to opportunities for disabled individuals in the legal profession. By joining this pledge, Tucker Ellis aims to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable culture for employees with disabilities.
For more information, read our press releases:
- Tucker Ellis Joins Mansfield Rule 4.0 to Increase Law Firm Equity & Inclusion (July 2020)
- Tucker Ellis Joins Mansfield Rule 5.0, Continuing Its Commitment to Increase Diversity in Law Firm Leadership (July 2021)
- Tucker Ellis Earns Mansfield Rule 4.0 Plus Certification (September 2021)
- Tucker Ellis Joins Mansfield Rule 6.0, Expanding Commitment to Boost Diversity in Law Firm Leadership (August 2022)
- Tucker Ellis Earns Mansfield Rule 5.0 Plus Certification (October 2022)
- Tucker Ellis Commits to 2023–2024 Mansfield Rule Legal Diversity Pledge (August 2023)
- Tucker Ellis Earns Mansfield Certification Plus for 2022–2023 (October 2023)
- Tucker Ellis Pledges Action to Increase Disability Inclusion (December 2023)
- Tucker Ellis Commits to 2024–2025 Mansfield Certification Process (August 2024)
- Tucker Ellis, Recognized as a Mansfield Rule Early Adopter, Achieves Certification Plus for 2023–2024 (October 2024)