(June 8, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been named the Top Firm for Diversity in the Yale Law Women+ (YLW+) Top Firms Report 2023. Through the report, YLW+ aims to raise awareness of inequities within the legal profession and highlight the progress being made in the industry. YLW+ honors individual firms for excelling in categories that relate to overall workplace equity. Littler also received an honorable mention in the Advancement category.
“We take great pride in our culture that prioritizes inclusion, equity and diversity (IE&D), and we are thrilled to receive this recognition from YLW+ for our ongoing efforts,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president, and Paul Bateman, Chief Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Officer, in a joint statement. “This recognition underscores the importance of cultivating a workplace where individuals are empowered to succeed. Through our intentional IE&D initiatives, we strive to provide an environment where attorneys can achieve their career goals, from leadership to partnership and everything in between.”
Littler was selected for the Diversity award based on an assessment of the firm’s overall attorney diversity, hiring and retention outcomes and initiatives (such as summer diversity programs), and diverse representation in firm leadership.
The report noted that “Littler excels in attracting and, more importantly, retaining diverse attorneys. The firm is also a leader when it comes to promoting diverse attorneys to leadership positions.”
In the Advancement category, Littler was rated based on training, mentorship, and review policies, with a focus on how the firm creates equitable opportunities for associates to interact with supervisors and shareholders. Additionally, how Littler facilitates advancement opportunities for diverse attorneys, such as through affinity networks and promotion outcomes, was also considered.
Littler supports the development and advancement of women and diverse attorneys at every level of the firm through several innovative and meaningful IE&D initiatives, including its award-winning Career Advocacy Program, SOAR Program, Women's Leadership Initiative and affinity groups, among others. As a result, numerous attorneys serving in firm leadership positions – including on the firm’s board of directors, as office managing shareholders and as practice and industry group chairs – identify as women or diverse. Additionally, 100% of the members serving on Littler’s Management Committee, the firm’s highest governing body, are women or diverse.
Over the past year, Littler has received several other recognitions for its diversity efforts, including recently being named one of the top five best law firms for women and diversity by Seramount. A full list of the firm’s accolades, as well as a comprehensive overview of Littler’s ongoing IE&D programming and initiatives can be found in the firm’s 2022 Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Annual Report.
About Littler
With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow.