Stinson Recommits to Diversifying Leadership with Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification Process 

08.23.2022

Stinson LLP has renewed its commitment to achieving the Diversity Lab's annual Mansfield certification. The parameters for the 6.0 certification – aimed at diversifying leadership – have expanded in scope since its launch in 2017.

The newest version requires law firms to consider at least 30% historically underrepresented attorneys, which includes women, racially/ethnically diverse attorneys, LGBTQ+ attorneys and attorneys with disabilities, for leadership roles, equity partnership and other activities that focus on the path to leadership. Firms must also consider 30% underrepresented talent for C-suite roles.

"Stinson has a long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and developing the next generation of diverse leaders," Stinson's Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Ann Thomas said. "We participate in the annual Mansfield Rule certification because it pushes the dialogue forward, it is an actionable step towards a more diverse profession and the process builds on our continued commitment to further advance diversity, equity and inclusion at the firm."

Although the 6.0 requirements are challenging, Stinson joins over 180 law firms who are committed to diversifying the power structure of law firms, driving positive culture and structural changes that challenge the status quo and significantly shape the legal landscape. Participants that adhere to the rigorous annual certification process are awarded certification. To ensure long-term results, there is an increasingly challenging "Certification Plus" category that evaluates whether firms have achieved diversity in leadership, not just considered it. To attain this higher level of certification, law firms' advancement and compensation processes must now be transparent internally.

Stinson's Diversity and Inclusion Department is led by Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Ann Thomas. With the support of firm leadership and the board of directors, sustaining the firm's legacy of promoting key tenets of diversity, equity and inclusion and increasing a culture that values all backgrounds and perspectives is incorporated into Stinson's strategic initiatives and planning.