Maslon Pursues Mansfield Rule Certification to Further the Firm's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Maslon is pleased to announce that it is pursuing Mansfield Rule certification as part of the firm’s continuing commitment to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in its attorney leadership ranks.

During the certification process, Maslon will be evaluated for 18 months on its commitment to diversity, as demonstrated by its consideration of at least 30% women, 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. The certification is a program administered by Diversity Lab, an organization that promotes innovative ideas and solutions to boost diversity and inclusion in the legal field.

Firms that successfully complete the Mansfield Rule criteria will be designated as “Mansfield Certified” and will have the opportunity to send their diverse partners to Mansfield Rule client forums to build relationships with and learn from Diversity Lab’s in-house counsel collaborators.

"Maslon's participation in the Mansfield Rule certification underscores our continued commitment to greater diversity, equity, and inclusion," said Maslon Partner and Governance Committee Member Keiko Sugisaka. "It is another important component of our ongoing efforts and partnerships to create more inclusive workplaces, recruit year-round for diverse candidates, and support and advance diverse lawyers. Maslon believes that recruiting, supporting, and fostering the success of a diverse attorney group strengthens our firm and the quality of services we provide to our clients."

Named after Arabella Mansfield, an Iowa woman who became the first female lawyer in 1869, the concept of the Mansfield Rule emerged at Diversity Lab’s 2016 Women in Law Hackathon, a competition to support advancing women in the legal profession.