Achieving Diversity in Law Departments

Updated July 2005

Provided by the Association of Corporate Counsel
1025 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 200
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel 202.293.4103
Fax 202.293.4107
www.acca.com

The following material is intended to provide in-house counsel with information on establishing and maintaining a diverse law department. This information should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on specific facts, or representative of the views of ACC or any of its lawyers, unless so stated. This is not intended as a definitive statement on the subject but a tool, providing practical information for the reader. We hope that you find this material useful. Thank you for contacting the Association of Corporate Counsel.¹

ACC wishes to acknowledge the following for their contribution to the development of this InfoPAK:

Minority Corporate Counsel Association
&
West Group

¹This information has been compiled by Ingrid Hutto, Esq., at the direction of the Association of Corporate Counsel

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Diversity?




2. Why Is Diversity Essential?

   1. Creativity
   2. Diversity May Increase Profitability and Productivity
   3. Corporations' Commitment and Expectations for Diversity in Their Corporate Law Departments and Outside Counsel



3. How To Achieve And Sustain A Diverse Legal Department

   1. Assessments
   2. Recognizing Impediments to Diversity
   3. Structuring Your Law Department's Diversity Initiative
   4. Recruiting, Developing and retaining Diverse Candidates
      
      1. Best Practices
      2. Mentoring
      3. Best Practices
      4. Worst Practices
   5. Cultural Awareness
   6. Community Relationships



4. Additional Resources