Diversity

Kenyon ranks as one of the most diverse law firms in the nation according to The American Lawyer's Diversity Scorecard. Our commitment to diversity dates back to 1899, when we became one of the first law firms to hire a female attorney. Over a century later, we have remained committed to recruiting, promoting, and retaining professionals from diverse backgrounds. Our culture of inclusion, teamwork and collaboration encourages our attorneys and staff to feel comfortable to develop themselves to their fullest potential. It also contributes to our low attrition rate, providing stability which directly benefits our clients. We believe that fostering and supporting a bias-free workplace is only the beginning when it comes to diversity.

Kenyon’s Diversity Committee plays a lead role in supporting the firm’s commitment to maintaining a workplace that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious affiliation, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, physical challenge, marital status or family status. The Committee, which has included women, minority and LGBT attorneys and staff, meets each month to plan diversity initiatives and ensure that those initiatives receive adequate support throughout all levels of the organization. Such initiatives include diversity recruiting, training and mentoring, contributing to diversity-related scholarship programs, raising awareness outside of the firm via the development and/or sponsorship of diversity-related events, supporting community and professional diversity organizations, and participating in diversity surveys issued by the legal community.

The Diversity Committee includes members of the firm’s Management and Executive Committees, both of which are responsible for guiding the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the firm. As a result, the Diversity Committee receives regular support from firm management to help reach diversity goals.

Our commitment to diversity has been acknowledged by several leading publications, including The American Lawyer which identified Kenyon as a firm that promoted women to partnership at a rate well above the legal industry benchmark. In addition, we are recognized as a top law firm for diversity by Minority Law Journal's Diversity Scorecard for having a high percentage of minority attorneys, particularly in partnership positions. Further, for two consecutive years, we have been honored with Managing Intellectual Property’s “Strength in Diversity” award, which is presented each year to one firm that has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to diversity.

Below are some of the ways in which Kenyon fosters, and raises awareness of, diversity within the firm and the community.

Supporting Events and Organizations

  • The Firm has signed on to the MCCA’s Law Firm Affiliate Network, a formal program which was created by the MCCA to assist and acknowledge law firms that are committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
  • We support programs organized by the Asian American Bar Association (AABA) and the National Asian Pacific Bar Association (NAPABA). Our individual attorneys are involved in several diversity oriented associations including the AABA, NAPABA, Women in Technology International, Watermark (formerly known as the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs & Executives, or “FWE&E”), Women's IP Lawyers Association (WIPLA), GAYLAW, and the Iranian American Bar Association.
  • Kenyon produces an annual “Women's Symposium” conference dedicated to bringing together a diverse group of women in the legal profession for an evening of networking and inspiration.
  • Kenyon sponsors several diversity focused events and our attorneys regularly attend conferences and symposia dedicated to furthering and fostering diversity efforts throughout the legal profession, such as the Annual Diversity Forum, sponsored by the American Conference Institute.

Training and Mentoring

  • Our partners serve as designated mentors to other lawyers at the firm. They share their personal experiences on how they achieved success in their careers without having to compromise their beliefs and/or values. Our partner mentors have an open door policy and provide a confidential sounding board for lawyers to voice their opinions and seek advice on diversity-related issues.
  • Diversity training programs are made available for all lawyers and staff, including incorporating diversity training into existing in-house legal training programs relating to a wider range of initiatives, such as effective communications skills, negotiation, team leadership and mentoring.

Recruiting and Scholarship Funding

  • Kenyon participates in job fairs such as the Northeast Regional Black Law Students Association (NEBLSA) Annual Job Fair and in conferences such as the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA)/Vault’s Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference.
  • Kenyon contributes to a number of minority scholarships, including the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund and the Intellectual Property Law Education Scholarship Fund.

Community Support

  • Kenyon supports professional and community outreach programs in various capacities. Through the New York City Mentor Program, Kenyon mentors a diverse group of area high school students to help them prepare for a career in law. We provide college planning assistance and mock trial preparation.
  • Kenyon devotes financial support and time commitments to diversity-related community outreach programs such as National Action Council for Minorities, Asian American Legal Defense and Education, National Association of Women Judges, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.