Hanson Bridgett Achieves Mansfield 4.0 Certified Plus Status
September, 2021 - San Francisco, California
September 13, 2021 (San Francisco, CA) – Hanson Bridgett LLP, a preeminent law firm for all of California, is pleased to announce that the firm has officially achieved Diversity Lab's Mansfield 4.0 Certification Plus status. In July 2020, the firm joined 116 other law firms nationwide in seeking certification under the latest iteration of the Mansfield Rule.
The rule measures whether law firms have affirmatively considered at least 30 percent women, attorneys of color, individuals who self-identify as LGBTQ+, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities, and senior lateral positions. Firms are audited bi-annually and are certified annually as they follow, comply, and achieve the rules' requirements.
According to a press release issued by Diversity Lab, "The certified firms have completed a rigorous 12-month collaboration with Diversity Lab with built-in measurement, transparency, and accountability. Through their participation, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and are making meaningful progress on diversifying law firm leadership."
"Back in 2020, when we publicly stated our commitment to taking real action to address the social and racial justice issues, we really meant it," said Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Jennifer Martinez. "I'm proud of all we have accomplished since then, and I look forward to finding new opportunities for us to continue to do the work we committed to. As diverse as our state and our communities are, to truly be a law firm for all of California as we say we are, this is work that is essential for us to continue."
In June of this year, Hanson Bridgett announced its commitment to continue to pursue Mansfield Certification year-after-year and has already begun taking steps toward pursuing the next iteration of the accreditation, the Mansfield 5.0 Certification. Meeting criteria for the 5.0 Rule will require participating firms to meet newly raised standards to continue to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion. Results for this certification will not be released until the summer of 2022.
