October 12, 2023
The Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) has recognized Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP with its 2023 Thomas L. Sager Award for law firms with more than 650 lawyers. The MCCA, which had shortlisted 20 law firms as finalists in its category encompassing the largest firms, annually presents the Thomas L. Sager Award to highlight the industry’s commitment to building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive legal industry that benefits everyone.
“We are honored to receive this very meaningful recognition as we continue our journey toward an even more diverse and inclusive workplace,” said Zakiyyah Salim-Williams, Partner and Chief Diversity Officer of Gibson Dunn. “Though there is still work to be done, we are thrilled with the progress we have made in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion over the past two decades.”
The MCCA determines the finalists and winners for the Sager Award based on its extensive review of the MCCA U.S. Law Firm Diversity Survey submissions. Launched in 2004, this survey is the longest standing diversity survey in the legal industry. It gathers insights about law firm demographics, leadership composition, retention, and promotion of women and diverse lawyers, and it analyzes this data through the Diversity Scorecard to build industry-wide standards and firm-specific recommendations. The Diversity Scorecard measures quantitative data including demographics, recruiting, retention, and promotion as well as qualitative data. It is the only scorecard in the legal industry that conducts this level of comprehensive data analysis and provides a roadmap to achieve more positive outcomes for all.
Gibson Dunn has adopted a strategic approach to its diversity initiatives, and its efforts have resulted in meaningful progress at all levels within the Firm. In addition to its internal efforts, Gibson Dunn announced in July the formation of a Workplace DEI Task Force, bringing to bear the Firm’s expertise in employment, appellate, and Constitutional law; DEI programs; securities and corporate governance; and government contracts to help its clients assess litigation risk, develop creative and practical approaches to accomplish DEI objectives in a lawful manner, and defend their programs in private litigation and government enforcement actions as needed. Gibson Dunn is defending the Fearless Fund in a lawsuit challenging its grant program for Black women business owners.
To learn more about Gibson Dunn’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, please visit www.gibsondunn.com/diversity.