Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, the nation’s first and only full-service law firm with offices in all 50 states, has achieved Mansfield Certification status after successfully completing Diversity Lab’s Mansfield 2023-2024 Certification process. The firm was one of more than 360 leading large and midsize law firms in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom that received certification under Mansfield this year.
Administered by Diversity Lab, Mansfield is a year-long structured certification process designed to ensure all qualified talent at participating law firms has a fair and equal opportunity to be considered for advancement into leadership. To ensure its continued effectiveness, the certification standards are regularly updated in response to data-driven insights.
The certification process involves engaging in knowledge-sharing meetings and expert-led workshops, ensuring at least 30% of leadership candidates are from underrepresented groups, completing regular check-ins, and submitting an annual certification form, with ongoing renewal to foster long-term cultural change.
“We know integrating diverse perspectives into leadership is essential to our success,” shared Debra Ellwood Meppen, National Chair of the firm’s Women’s Initiative. “Achieving Mansfield Certification is something we are incredibly excited about, as it reflects not only our collective efforts to reach this milestone but also our ongoing commitment and passion for fostering an inclusive culture. We are proud of our progress and are energized to continue building on this path.”
Data shows that firms that remain committed and accountable to the Mansfield Certification process year-over-year are making substantial progress in creating inclusive talent practices and diversifying their leadership ranks. Firms participating in the Mansfield Certification process have significantly increased diversity in client pitch teams, lateral partner hires, and equity partner promotions, with a 41% growth rate in underrepresented racial and ethnic equity partners, compared to 16% at non-Mansfield firms.
“As a firm, we believe that diversity is not just a goal but a fundamental aspect of our identity and success,” said Franz Hardy, Co-Chair of the firm’s National Diversity Committee. “Our participation in this initiative aligns with the firm’s values. We want to ensure that all individuals not only have equal opportunities to thrive and advance in their careers but also feel a sense of belonging within the firm.”
The firm is proud to join other Mansfield Certified firms in advancing a core value within the legal profession: ensuring that every individual has equal opportunities for career growth and success. By fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive, GRSM enhances its ability to effectively serve clients and communities.
The firm is committed to continuing its efforts toward diversity by participating in the Mansfield 2024-2025 Certification Program, furthering its initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion across all management levels, practice areas, and project staffing.
Discover how GRSM is advancing diversity and inclusion.