Diversity
BigLaw firm tones down diversity references on website, citing ‘fluctuating internal and external expectations’
K&L Gates has removed references to “diversity” from its website and rebranded its Diversity and Inclusion Committee. (Photo from Shutterstock)
Updated: K&L Gates has removed references to “diversity” from its website and rebranded its Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Above the Law noted the changes after monitoring BigLaw websites since President Donald Trump took office last month.
According to Above the Law, K&L Gates has removed or changed these references:
• The link to “Our Commitment to Diversity” on the homepage has been removed.
• “Diversity and Inclusion” is changed to “Opportunity and Inclusion” on the “About” page.
• The renamed “Opportunity and Inclusion” page no longer includes diversity percentages for leadership positions.
• The law firm has removed a sentence reading, “We pledge to follow the Mansfield Rule,” which requires firms seeking certification to commit to certain percentages of diverse candidates for leadership positions.
• The Diversity and Inclusion Committee has been renamed the Opportunity and Inclusion Committee.
K&L Gates explained the changes in a firmwide email obtained by Above the Law.
The email said K&L Gates is not diminishing its commitment to opportunity and inclusion.
“We are embracing the terminology opportunity and inclusion to more comprehensively express our commitment to fostering a culture that supports and empowers a broad range of individuals with diverse backgrounds and different life experiences,” the email said.
“The website changes are reflective of guidance being received by many clients and others, as entities understandably are taking a hard look at how to preserve their values amid fluctuating internal and external expectations and to ensure they remain compliant with shifting laws and regulations,” the email said.
“To date, the changes on our website have been implemented and led by a cross-section of stakeholders at our firm, including importantly by members of our opportunity and inclusion team. The team is still in the process of making updates to the website—and we can assure you that the feedback we receive will be factored in.”
K&L Gates made similar points in this statement forwarded to the ABA Journal: “Consistent with our long-held values, K&L Gates is committed to advancing opportunity and inclusion across all facets of the firm. Revisions to our website have been implemented and led by a cross-section of stakeholders at our firm, including importantly by members of our Opportunity and Inclusion Committee, and we are and will continue to be in close communication with our entire global team about these changes. Not only do we place great value on our team members’ unique backgrounds, talents and skills, but we also benefit as a firm from the diversity of their lived and learned experiences. We are dedicated to ensuring that every person at K&L Gates feels respected, heard, valued and supported. We have not diminished in any way our long-standing commitment to foster an inclusive, talented team, as we know this enables us to provide the best possible service to our clients and empowers our workforce to thrive.”
Updated Feb. 13 at 11:09 a.m. to include the statement from K&L Gates.
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