Research & Projects — The Diversity & Flexibility Connection
The Diversity & Flexibility Connection is an ongoing discussion between prominent general counsels and law firm chairs leading to best practices for the retention of diverse attorneys including those working on reduced hours or flexible work schedules.
The Connection was designed to facilitate a conversation about how in-house and outside counsel could work together more effectively to support balanced hours programs, with the ultimate goal of making the legal profession more inclusive. The Connection seeks to highlight the connection between diversity and work/life initiatives in order to address the complex issue of attorney retention more holistically. The Connection’s goal is to bring balanced hours into diversity initiatives, thereby accelerating the elimination of structural and cultural biases that create advantages and disadvantages for certain lawyers.
The Diversity & Flexibility Connection: Best Practices, released in October, 2009, was the result of two day-long meetings among the general counsels and managing partners. The participants identified six issues and proposed solutions to supporting balanced hours and flexible work for lawyers in their organizations. Each of the participants committed to taking steps to implement the best practices.
Best Practice #1: Nonstigmatized Flexible Work
The law firm members of the Connection pledge to adopt the core components of a balanced-hours policy. . . . [read more]
Best Practice #2: Referring Work to Balanced Hours Attorneys
Pilot program to refer work to attorneys who are working reduced hours. As a further demonstration of their commitment to diversity and flexibility, some members of the Connection have agreed to participate in a one-year pilot. . . . [read more]
Best Practice #3: Clients Need to Signal Support for Flexible Work
In-house members of the Connection will clearly signal their support for work-life balance for outside counsel. . . . [read more]
Best Practice #4: Ensuring that Cost Controls do not Compromise Flexibility
Connection law departments will avoid approaches to controlling costs that undercut law firms’ ability to offer flexibility without penalty. . . . [read more]
Best Practice #5: Effective Implementation In-House
Connection law departments will take steps to implement their commitment to diversity and flexibility, including . . . [read more]
Best Practice #6: Better Business Communications
Both inside and outside counsel need to implement a series of steps to improve business communication. . . . [read more]
Best Practice #7: Walking the Talk
Connection general counsel commit to having a direct conversation with the Chair, Managing Partner or relationship partner of a law firm when they decide to move work away from the firm due to lack of progress . . . [read more]
The Connection will be continuing its work with a new set of meetings starting in spring, 2011. The Connection is also looking to expand to include additional general counsel and law firm leaders interested in joining with the Connection founders to commit to best practices to achieve diversity and flexibility. If you are interested in learning more about the Connection, please contact us for more information.
