(July 21, 2022) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has received the 2022 South Asian Bar Association (SABA) of North America’s Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award. This award recognizes Littler’s commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, a commitment with major impact: in 2021, 44% of Littler’s leadership, 73% of its new hires, 76% of its newly-elevated shareholders (i.e., partners), and overall 62% the firm’s 1083 U.S.-based lawyers identified as minorities by race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
“Littler has a steadfast commitment to advancing inclusion, equity and diversity, not only within our firm, but in the legal industry as a whole, and we are proud to be recognized by SABA North America for those efforts,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president, and Paul Bateman, Chief Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Officer, in a joint statement. “We remain diligent in bolstering our inclusion, equity and diversity initiatives to provide new professional and personal growth opportunities for our attorneys and staff.”
According to Shareholder Niloy Ray, active member of SABA and of Littler’s ‘Ohana affinity group, “We are honored to receive this award. SABA North America’s dedication to fostering professional development, promoting justice and civil rights for the South Asian legal community, and elevating South Asian voices, is perfectly aligned with Littler’s goal of creating and fostering an inclusive, equitable and diverse culture.”
Littler’s numerous inclusion, equity and diversity programs and initiatives – such as the SOAR Program, the Career Advocacy Program and Breaking Through – are designed to retain, promote and encourage the professional growth of a diverse workforce. The firm continues to set the standard for inclusion, equity and diversity in the industry as it earns recognition for its policies, practices and programs.
As part of its many inclusion, equity and diversity initiatives, the firm has six internal affinity groups for diverse attorneys and professional staff – ‘Ohana, Bollo, Individuals with Disabilities, Pride, Reunión and Veterans – as well as the Women’s Leadership Initiative, which focuses on developing and retaining women leaders. Specifically, the ‘Ohana affinity group focuses on networking and collaboration on important initiatives for the Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, North African and Pacific Islander-American attorneys at Littler. All the firm’s affinity groups provide support, development and networking opportunities, in addition to serving as a forum for participants to share strategies for success, including the enhancement of skill sets and business development planning.
For a comprehensive overview of Littler’s ongoing programming and initiatives, check out the firm’s 2021 Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Annual Report.
About Littler
With more than 1,600 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.
