Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Jenner & Block
Jenner & Block is on the leading edge of fostering a diverse legal community. From the way we staff teams on client matters to the way we nurture the careers of more junior lawyers, our actions are intentional and our commitment is meaningful. You can read more about our DEI initiatives here.
Since its founding in 1914, Jenner & Block has been committed to maintaining and promoting diversity in the hiring, development, promotion, and success of all lawyers and professional staff.
Our goal is to recruit the best lawyers and provide an atmosphere that will allow each lawyer the opportunity to succeed and achieve their fullest potential. To accomplish this, we hire and develop lawyers without reference to race, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Our actions reflect our deep-seated commitment to equality and social justice, as well as our belief that diverse teams arrive at better and more creative legal solutions. In keeping with our core values, we expect every individual in the firm to take personal responsibility for supporting diversity and fostering an inclusive environment. We expect this in the same way we expect individuals to be responsible for providing impeccable client service.
A Letter from Our DEI Director, Courtney Carter
In 2001, Jenner & Block produced our very first diversity and inclusion-focused publication as the Equal Time: LGBT Community Service newsletter. It is thought to have been the first of its kind in the legal community that specifically celebrated LGBTQ lawyers and their achievements. Over the years, we added newsletters about our lawyers of color and our women lawyers. In 2018, we brought those newsletters together into one comprehensive report to highlight the intersectionality of the firm’s inclusion efforts.
The 23rd edition of the report showcases the initiatives, events, and advocacy that engaged everyone, across offices, throughout the past year. As we reflect on them, we celebrate how far the legal industry has come, and affirm our commitment to continuing to make progress in the future.
As the attacks on DEI persist, my team, Manager Eva Landers and Data Specialist Christina Ananth, and I remain committed to doing intentional work. I am grateful to be part of an organization where everyone is living DEI as a core value.
By the Numbers
46%
of Practice Group leaders are women, lawyers of color, or LGBTQ lawyers
52%
of our Management Committee are women, lawyers of color, or LGBTQ lawyers
33%
of Jenner & Block’s Policy Committee are women
35%
of Jenner & Block associates are racially diverse
14%
of newly elevated partners over the past three years have been lawyers of color
59%
of newly elevated partners over the past three years are women
14%
of newly elevated partners have been openly LGBTQ in the past three years
61%
of Jenner & Block associates are women