Overview
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery continued building on its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout 2021, culminating in the publication of our annual report, the 2021 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Year in Review. The report outlines measurable progress in our work to lead EPIC change: Empower, Progress, Impact and Commit. 2021 accomplishments include top diversity and inclusion rankings and recognitions, the release of the second annual cohort of the McDermott Rise program and promotions of diverse lawyers into Firm partnership and/or leadership roles.
“We received positive feedback from last year’s DE&I work, and we used this year to provide opportunities for all of our people to take part in moving the program forward,” said McDermott’s Chair Ira Coleman. “We will continue to provide a safe space for open discussion and learning to not only empower our people but also create meaningful impact outside the walls of McDermott.”
“It brings so much joy to see how involved people from all levels of our firm have been in our ongoing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts,” McDermott’s Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Anthony Upshaw added. “From the huge turnout at our first Global Diversity Summit to the successful launch of the second cohort of McDermott Rise members, our lawyers and staff have dedicated countless hours to pushing our diversity goals further. We are excited to see this energy continue into 2022.”
Here’s a preview of our efforts to lead EPIC change in 2021:
- EMPOWER: Our leaders and lawyers Firm-wide joined our three-day Global Diversity Summit in July, learning how to create greater equity in the workplace from a diverse panel of speakers—including journalist Soledad O’Brien and Founder/CEO of Inclusion Nation Michelle Silverthorn.
- PROGRESS: Through our McDermott Rise program, now in its second year, we have helped nearly 40 entrepreneurs of color achieve tangible successes.
- IMPACT: We promoted 44% women and diverse lawyers to partner, elevated four talented and diverse lawyers to office managing partner, and secured top rankings in DE&I from Vault, Chambers and Partners and other respected sources.
- COMMIT: With the long view in mind, we continue to support a variety of organizations that fill the legal pipeline with diverse talent, from Thrive Scholars to SEO Fellows and the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity.
For additional details about these and other strategic initiatives and programs, please download the full 2021 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Year in Review 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—and often unexpected—solutions that propel success. More than 1,200 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
