Dickinson Wright Recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity” Nationally

Seramount, a leading diversity, equity and inclusion research and professional services firm, revealed its list of the Best Law Firms for Women & Diversity today, recognizing firms that utilize best practices in recruiting, retaining, promoting, and developing women lawyers and lawyers from underrepresented groups, including people of color. Dickinson Wright earned a spot on this year’s list, marking the firm as one of the nation’s best.

“Our Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity demonstrate unwavering commitment, despite the uncertainties in the legal field,” said Subha V. Barry, President of Seramount. “I'm proud of the steady and positive change they are driving, even if it’s a gradual process. I applaud these industry leaders for their dedication to cultivating inclusive firm cultures.”

“We are honored to be named a Best Law Firm for Women and Diversity,” said Michael C. Hammer, CEO of Dickinson Wright. “This achievement reflects the firm’s strong commitment to fostering a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive workplace environment for all. At Dickinson Wright, we understand that hiring, training, integrating, and retaining a diverse workforce is a core firm value and instrumental to providing our clients with the best legal service.”

“We are delighted to see our continued progress in the diversity, equity and inclusion space recognized,” added Katheryne (Kathy) L. Zelenock, Co-Chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and leader of the firm’s Women’s Network.  “Seramount’s selection criteria are extremely rigorous, and we are very proud to be among the leading law firms receiving this accolade.  This recognition invigorates our ongoing efforts.”

Highlights of the 2024 Best Law Firms for Women & Diversity:

• Representation by the numbers: 
  • Forty-two percent of lawyers are women, same as last year
  • Twenty-seven percent of equity partners are women, same as last year
  • Twenty-four percent of lawyers are people of color, up from 23 percent last year
  • Thirty-three percent of lawyers hired are people of color, down from 34 percent last year
• Advancement by the numbers: 
  • The percentage of women promoted to equity partner is 41 percent, up from 39 percent last year
  • The percentage of people of color promoted to equity partner is 22 percent, up from 17 percent last year
  • One hundred percent offer formal mentoring programs, up from 96 percent last year
  • Eighty-nine percent offer formal sponsorship programs, up from 82 percent last year
  • Ninety-five percent of firms have formal policies in place that allow lawyers to move on and off an equity partner track, up from 88 percent last year
• Benefits by the numbers:
  • Eighty-nine percent of firms offer backup childcare, up from 84 percent last year
  • Eighty-four percent offer childcare for a sick child, up from 80 percent last year
  • Eighty-nine percent reimburse for in vitro fertilization, up from 80 percent last year
  • Eighty percent reimburse for egg freezing, up from 66 percent last year
  • Sixty-four percent reimburse for surrogacy expenses, up from 46 percent last year
• Inclusive Practices by the numbers:
  • Fifty-six percent conducted a pay equity analysis within the last year based on both gender and race/ethnicity, up from 52 percent the previous year
  • Fifty-one percent have Employee Resource Groups for people with disabilities, up from 43 percent last year

About the Methodology
Seramount’s 2024 Best Law Firms for Women & Diversity application includes 648 questions about attorney demographics at different levels, flexibility, paid time off and parental leaves, and development and retention of women and people of color as well as those from other underrepresented groups. Questions about family-friendly benefits and mentoring and sponsorship participation are also included.