At Warner, we are dedicated to creating an environment where people not only succeed but thrive. Our commitment lies in recruiting and retaining exceptional talent, providing equal opportunities for all to engage in meaningful work, and equipping them with the necessary resources to excel.
Mansfield Rule Participation
Warner is expanding our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by participating in the Mansfield Rule. The goal is to shift culture and make procedural changes to create a more diverse and equitable legal profession. Participating firms are required to track data to measure progress, document norms and identify areas of improvement.
“The significance of Warner participating in the Mansfield Rule program is creating opportunity for all people within our firm. It forces us to assess and develop more formal processes surrounding hiring and promoting in a more intentional way, and in providing access to information that doesn’t leave anyone out. We’re excited about our participation and commitment to this standard.”
Warner has had its own recruitment policy since 2021 that requires 30% consideration of underrepresented groups for all open positions – both for attorneys and staff. We can successfully report that we’ve been above the 30% mark since that time.
- In 2022, we hired six new lateral attorneys, five of which were from underrepresented groups (83%). We also hired eight entry-level attorneys: four (50%) were from underrepresented groups and two (20%) were BIPOC.
- In 2022/23, we hired 11 summer associates for our summer associate program in 2023. Four (35%) were BIPOC.
Diversity Law Scholarship
Warner launched the firm’s inaugural $20,000 scholarship in 2022 to provide a 1L law school student with financial support as they work to achieve their law degree. The scholarship aims to promote greater diversity in the legal profession and allows submissions from students who identify within a racial minority, LGBTQIA+ or with a disability – but is not limited to underrepresented groups. Rather, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion to be considered.
“Metrics are important, but what we’re trying to do is create a place where people feel like they belong at our firm, and with the increased belonging, we can attract talent. The focus is for people to feel they can bring their whole selves to work.”
Students are required to submit a personal statement, undergraduate and law school transcripts and a current resume. In addition to the scholarship, the recipient receives a summer associate position. Applications are reviewed by Warner’s DEI Manager and members of the Summer Associate Committee.
“The scholarship’s impact is monumental to me because it increases minority representation in the legal profession by offering minorities the necessary aid to obtain a law degree.”
Click here to learn more about Warner’s Diversity Law Scholarship.