Overview
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery announces the publication of the Firm’s annual report, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Focus on Justice, 2022 Year in Review, spotlighting ongoing work to bring justice to marginalized and underserved communities. The report outlines measurable progress in McDermott’s work to support equity, diversity and inclusion in meaningful ways and deliver positive outcomes at the Firm and beyond.
“As a community and a Firm, we draw inspiration from successes and tragedies to fight for positive change where we can,” said McDermott Chairman Ira Coleman. “We know we have the ability and the responsibility to tip the scales toward justice. We live our values through our pro bono work, our ongoing support of each of our people, and our dedication to our clients and their efforts to advance equity, diversity and inclusion.”
Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion Anthony Upshaw added: “With a commitment to legal, racial and social justice, we put our values into action to drive progress—all while deepening our resolve to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in our Firm and the legal industry.”
Some of the stories and statistics highlighted in the report include the following:
- Justice: William Allen spent 28 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. A pro bono team fought for clemency, and he was released in 2022—the first murder sentence commutation in decades to occur in Massachusetts.
- Equity: The Firm hosted and sponsored virtual and in-person networking opportunities for women in its offices around the world. Events included a Women in FinTech Networking Series in the United States, the launch of an award-winning Women Together London group, and sponsorship of She Loves Tech, Asia’s premier conference for women and tech.
- Diversity: According to the 2020 American Bar Association Diversity Survey, approximately 70% of firms’ leaders were white men. McDermott’s overall leadership in 2022, from management committee to C-suite, was 46.2% diverse.
- Inclusion: Throughout the year, the Firm invited outside speakers to address lawyers and staff on topics ranging from inclusive leadership practices to how to uncover bias and act on it. This ongoing education continues to help McDermott cultivate a workplace of belonging.
For additional details about these and other strategic initiatives and programs, please view or download the full report here.
About McDermott
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
