Objective: Commitment to Diversity
Diversity is not an abstract concept at Archer Norris, it's our reality.
Our commitment to diversity permeates the firm on every level and reflects the communities where we serve and reside.
We believe that attracting and maintaining a diversified workforce makes a positive impact on the world around us. We are proud to set an example by our actions and to demonstrate responsible business practices that improve the counsel we provide clients.
Diversity Committee Promotes Initiatives
Archer Norris has a formal diversity committee that develops programs that reflect and embrace the diversity of our firm. Our diversity committee, chaired by partner Nandor Krause, includes partners Glenn Mau and André Hill, of counsel Trajan Perez, and associate Jiyon Yun, along with several members of firm management.
Programs include:
- Recruit diverse candidates, both lawyers and staff, to our workforce
- Create a work environment that makes full use of the varied contributions of our employees
- Identify and support involvement in diversity programs and events
Demographics
Archer Norris is more diverse than most large law firms in the United States, according to The American Lawyer Diversity Scorecard 2007. Underscoring our determination to hire outstanding individuals from diverse backgrounds, our commitment to diversity includes everyone in the firm, lawyers and staff, encompassing differences in race, gender, age, ethnicity, national origin, disabilities, marital status, religious beliefs, political affiliation, and sexual orientation.
Firm Culture
Our commitment is reflected in our firm culture, which actively supports work-life balance concerns as well as providing equal opportunity for women, racial and ethnic minorities, gay and lesbian individuals, and those with disabilities. Archer Norris recognizes the importance of work-life balance. A significant number of our attorneys and staff work flexible schedules, tailored to their needs and the needs of our clients.
Diverse Workforce
Archer Norris's commitment to diversity at all levels of our organization is demonstrated by the diversity of our entire workforce. A measure of the representation of our diverse workforce is attained through the federal government's Equal Opportunity Commission Report. Overall, our workforce is over 60% female and more than 25% minority. More than 70% of our managers are women. We have made remarkable progress in expanding the diversity of our workforce. As demonstrated by our combined female/minority statistics, diversity has increased by eight percent in the past year alone. We now have more than 39% female/minority lawyers, including nearly 17% among partners, giving us a strong foundation upon which to build.
Recruiting Policy
The diverse backgrounds, quality and experience of our lawyers are among our greatest strengths. We are committed to the goals established by national and local bar associations to achieve equal opportunity in the legal profession. As part of our ongoing efforts to recruit and retain qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, members of our Diversity Committee and others actively participate in the recruiting process.
Summer Intern Program
Archer Norris recognizes that today's law students are the legal leaders of tomorrow. We are proud of our success in attracting a diverse group of students, 50% of whom were female, from nationally recognized law schools who joined us during the summer of 2007. We are committed to providing the training our summer interns need to become skillful and effective practitioners.