Manchester, N.H. (October 10, 2023) – The law firm of McLane Middleton is proud to announce it has achieved certification under the Mansfield Rule, the leading national certification for law firms committed to diversity in their workforce and leadership. The firm is the first law firm in the state of New Hampshire to receive the certification.
The Mansfield Rule is a national initiative through Diversity Lab which helps close the gender and diversity gap in the legal profession. The Rule measures law firms’ processes for considering women lawyers, lawyers of color, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for employment as well as leadership and governance roles and equity partner promotions. The Mansfield Rule is based on the premise that, if law firms actively consider a substantially increased level of qualified diverse candidates for these professional opportunities, the number of diverse lawyers in these firms and in leadership roles will increase over time as well.
“One of McLane Middleton’s core values is the belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce makes us a better law firm by enhancing our capacity to develop innovative solutions for our clients, attract and retain the most talented colleagues, and contribute to all segments of the communities where we live and work,” said Steve Camerino, CEO of McLane Middleton. “Achieving Mansfield Certification reflects our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues feel empowered to achieve their fullest potential. We believe that type of environment will help us attract and retain the most talented, creative professionals, which in turn will help us best serve our clients.”
Shiva Karimi, Managing Director of McLane Middleton’s Boston office and Chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, expressed the significance of the firm’s certification: “The Mansfield Rule is a crucial instrument in our journey towards creating a more diverse and equitable legal profession. By actively considering diverse candidates for key professional opportunities, we are not only championing fairness but also enhancing the excellence of our legal services through varied perspectives.”
Through this certification, McLane Middleton strengthens its dedication to accountability, collaboration, and transparency, aligning with Diversity Lab’s best practices and contributing to a collective effort to create a more inclusive legal landscape.
For more information on McLane Middleton’s Mansfield Rule certification, please visit McLane.com/Mansfield.