News Release
McGlinchey Joins Mansfield Rule 4.0 Reaffirming its Commitment to Increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Read Time: 2 minsMcGlinchey Stafford is excited to announce that it has joined the Mansfield Rule 4.0 “Midsize Mansfield” cohort. This initiative is focused on accomplishing positive change in the legal industry by continuing to enhance and strengthen McGlinchey’s inclusive culture that fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.
“We have taken a stronger focus this year on our DE&I efforts for our attorneys and professionals, as well as our clients and communities as a whole,” said Managing Member Michael Ferachi. “Participation in the Mansfield cohort, coupled with our #McGlincheyForward initiative, participation in the LCLD Leaders at the Front program, and other activities support our goal that every member of the McGlinchey family feels welcomed, supported, and valued.”
The Mansfield Rule, directed by Diversity Lab, addresses the deficiency of historically underrepresented lawyers in law firm leadership by broadening the pool of candidates considered for these opportunities. The objective is to set benchmarks to measure whether firms have affirmatively considered at least 30 percent female lawyers, lawyers of color, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities, and senior lateral positions.
“Joining Mansfield Rule 4.0 allows us to reinforce our commitment to achieving firmwide diversity, equity, and inclusion while fostering a work environment where each employee feels a sense of belonging,” said Eliska Plunkett, the firm’s first Chief Diversity Officer.
In April 2021, McGlinchey launched #McGlincheyForward, an initiative focused on effecting positive change by continuing the firm’s growth strategy, strengthening the firm’s inclusive culture, empowering the firm’s employees, and surpassing clients’ expectations with exceptional service.
“Working with Diversity Labs, other peer law firms, and DE&I thought leaders provides us with formal accountability around our recruitment, promotion, and retention strategies,” said Margeaux Feore Roush, Director of Talent Acquisition.
The firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee supports the firm’s culture of inclusion, as do its numerous affinity groups, including Uplift, McGlinchey’s Women’s Initiative, African American Affinity Group, Asian Affinity Group, Hispanic Affinity Group, and LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group.
McGlinchey will join some 70 other law firms participating in the second iteration of the Midsize Mansfield Rule, which launched September 15, 2021. The Midsize Mansfield certification process, modeled after the version for larger firms, has been fine-tuned to boost diversity in leadership for firms with smaller lawyer populations, single office locations, and leaner firm leadership structures. The certification period for the Midsize Mansfield cohort is 18 months (September 15, 2021, to March 14, 2023), to provide sufficient time for the participating firms to take action on hiring, promotion, and leadership transition activities.