Resources to help attorneys understand diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues in their practice and workplace.
Regardless of their area of expertise, attorneys often must address diversity, inclusion, and equity (DEI) issues. They may need to:
Advise clients on DEI issues, such as improving corporate board diversity or determining whether a hiring program complies with applicable civil rights laws.
Develop a DEI program for their firm or other workplace.
Implement anti-discrimination policies and train employees to ensure compliance with those policies.
These issues are both essential and fast evolving, presenting challenges and opportunities for lawyers and their clients. While the US Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admission v. President and Fellows of Harvard College v. University of North Carolina, 600 U.S. 181 (2023) directly addresses only the constitutionality of race-conscious admissions policies in higher education, it may impact similar policies in the workplace and elsewhere. In fact, in the wake of Students for Fair Admission, companies and law firms have faced lawsuits challenging various DEI efforts, from scholarships and internships to goals for increasing diversity in their workforce.
This Toolkit includes resources from across Practical Law's services to help lawyers address DEI issues as they advise clients in practice and navigate this evolving area of law in the workplace. The areas include: