Embracing Diversity: Setting the Standard for Inclusion in the Workplace

By Sa’eed Sadiq.

Reading time: five minutes

DLA Piper, an international law firm with over 90 offices in 40+ countries, demonstrates the power of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in attracting top talent and delivering exceptional client services. Their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) showcases significant strides in gender representation and partner promotions, setting a benchmark for the legal profession.

How DLA Piper Sets the Standard

Workplace diversity encompasses a growing concept that highlights the differences between employees within an organisation. It refers to the diverse physical, sociological, and psychological characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religious or political beliefs that define each person or group.

In today’s globalised world, D&I are essential components for the success and growth of any organisation. DLA Piper, exemplifies the transformative power of a diverse and inclusive workplace. Their comprehensive approach to DEI underscores the belief that valuing individuals for who they are leads to attracting the best talent, building effective teams, and delivering exceptional services to clients.

Read this article to find out why diversity in law firms remains a a key issue: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/01/02/are-law-firms-truly-embracing-diversity/

Gender Representation and Inclusivity

DLA Piper demonstrates a strong commitment to gender diversity and inclusivity, having a status of 25% female representation in partnership, with targets of 30% by 2025 and 40% by 2030.Additionally, the firm has exceeded its goal for partner promotions, with 53% from underrepresented groups, surpassing the 50% target. These milestones highlight DLA Piper’s proactive approach to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and sets a precedent for other law firms.

Read this article to learn about the importance of tackling gender disparities in the legal profession: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/03/20/closing-the-gender-gap-addressing-issues-and-solutions-in-the-legal-community/

Spotting Truly Inclusive Organisations

Identifying genuinely inclusive organisations involves looking beyond surface-level commitments and examining deeper indicators of inclusivity. Industry experts recommend observing the composition of leadership teams. Firms with diverse partners typically demonstrate a long-term commitment to inclusivity. Additionally, paying attention to testimonials such as employees sharing experiences of feeling comfortable expressing their cultural or religious identities, such as wearing religious attire like the hijab, can be telling. By considering these factors, you can better assess whether an organisation practices true inclusivity or is merely following trends.

Read this article learn about the importance of firms prioritising D&I: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/01/03/lets-talk-about-diversity-in-law/

Broader Implications

The issues of D&I extend beyond individual organisations and have broader societal implications. In a world where inequality and discrimination persist, organisations play a crucial role in challenging and changing these narratives. Organisations can contribute to a more just and equitable society by fostering D&I. This benefits the broader community as diverse teams bring a range of perspectives and experiences, leading to more comprehensive and innovative solutions to societal issues. Promoting D&I within organisations helps build a culture of acceptance and understanding, which can influence positive change on a larger scale.

The Business Case for Diversity

For law firms and barristers’ chambers, embracing diversity is not just a moral imperative; it makes good business sense. As the client base becomes more diverse, having a workforce that reflects this diversity is crucial for understanding and meeting clients’ needs effectively. This gives an edge to the organisation by having in-house responses to different issues, scaling minor issues like language barriers, and instilling comfort in their client base. Diverse teams bring different perspectives and ideas springing from the various employee backgrounds, fostering innovation and improving problem-solving capabilities. This can lead to better client outcomes and, ultimately, greater client satisfaction.

The legal profession, by its very nature, is about advocating for justice and equality. Therefore, it is only fitting that law firms lead by example in promoting D&I within their ranks. DLA Piper’s approach to DEI highlights the link between these principles and the legal profession’s core values. Law firms can demonstrate their commitment to these values, by setting and achieving diversity targets, enhancing their reputation, and attracting like-minded clients and talent.

Read this article to find out why culture competence is important in legal: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/03/30/the-importance-of-cultural-competence/

Overall

DLA Piper’s success in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace inspires the legal industry and beyond. Their achievements in gender representation and partner promotions underscore the importance of setting clear goals and working diligently towards them. As the legal profession continues to evolve, the lessons learned from DLA Piper’s DEI initiatives will be invaluable for other firms striving to create a more inclusive environment. Embracing diversity is not just about meeting targets; it’s about building a workplace where everyone is valued for who they are, leading to stronger teams, better client service, and a fairer society.

By prioritising D&I, law firms can ensure they are not only meeting the needs of their clients but also contributing to the greater good, embodying the principles of justice and equality that they advocate for every day.