Our Commitment to Diversity
Phillip Nizer is deeply committed to diversity. We value the diverse and unique perspectives, experiences, backgrounds and characteristics of each person in our firm, including their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, culture, age, gender and sexual orientation, and we are committed to policies that extend equal opportunities to all. We recognize that diversity promotes justice and is an important element in our professional growth.
The firm has implemented several initiatives in recent years to promote and further our inclusion efforts. In 2019, the firm established its Racial, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (“REDI”) Task Force. Led by diverse attorneys, the REDI Task Force leads the firm’s diversity efforts with firm management. In 2020, Phillips Nizer joined the second iteration of the Midsize Mansfield Rule, an exciting and innovative national initiative designed to help close the gender and diversity gap in the legal profession. Similar to the Rooney Rule (the NFL policy requiring every team with a head coaching vacancy to interview at least one or more diverse candidates), participation in the Mansfield Rule initiative is a commitment by the firm to consider an intentionally broad pool of candidates for leadership and high visibility positions within the firm, including the selection of leaders for positions, hiring lateral attorneys, and forming client teams. Diverse lawyers are currently represented in our firm’s leadership, including the executive committee, department chairs and practice group leaders.
Our guiding principle, the resourceful representation of our clients, is enhanced by an atmosphere of inclusion. We best serve the values of our clients and best fulfill our professional obligations by supporting and strengthening our commitment to diversity.