What components make the best Law Firm for Diversity & Inclusion? How do they differ?

[PMGLaw]

I'm trying to figure out what "ACTUALLY" makes a good Diversity & Inclusion Program for our law firm. What is the difference between the two: 1) Diversity 2) Inclusion

We have approximately 22 lawyers within the firm...only 3 are African-American and 2 Hispanic but I feel that we should work in adding this for the First quarter of 2022. But any guidance would be appreciated in understanding the benefits and features of a good actionable Diversity & Inclusion Program.

 

[Kubed]

I'm trying to figure out what "ACTUALLY" makes a good Diversity & Inclusion Program for our law firm. What is the difference between the two: 1) Diversity 2) Inclusion

We have approximately 22 lawyers within the firm...only 3 are African-American and 2 Hispanic but I feel that we should work in adding this for the First quarter of 2022. But any guidance would be appreciated in understanding the benefits and features of a good actionable Diversity & Inclusion Program.

Hello, so I am currently developing a D&I initiative in the current non-legal company I work for. I'm no expert but it is something I am passionate about. Diversity is about having a workplace in which people from diverse backgrounds (whether that's race, religion, disability, invisible illnesses, sexuality etc.) are adequately represented. This can be as crude as a number - exactly as you've stated it with regards to the 22 lawyers at your firm. For me, inclusion is the more important bit - can everyone, regardless of their diverse characteristics, comfortably work and progress at your firm?

There are benefits of course, but a good starting point is simply considering that it's just a good thing to do - everyone wants a meritocratic and psychologically safe environment to work in. The features really depend on what your firm's aims are and where you are currently at with your D&I strategy.

 

[TC fiend]

Agree with everything that Kubed says but to put it in simple terms: diversity is being able to see people who look/are like you. Inclusion is figuring out ways in which to make your firm accommodating of all those differences so that everyone is respected and supported.