Diversity

ahead together

Promotion and Advancement: Supporting Diversity and Inclusion
RECRUITING DIVERSE TALENT IS JUST THE START. DORSEY HAS PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT DIVERSE LAWYERS, PROMOTE THEIR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOSTER INCLUSION.

Resource Groups
Dorsey offers resource groups for LGBTQ individuals and allies, attorneys of color, staff of color, allies, women attorneys and women attorneys with children. These groups meet regularly and provide an internal support network, in addition to hosting social events for Dorsey and client personnel throughout the year.

Benefits and Policies
Dorsey & Whitney LLP is an EEO/AAP/Disabled Vets Employer and offers a comprehensive benefits package to attorneys including fifteen weeks of paid parental leave (plus 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability leave for attorneys who give birth), an adoption assistance program, reimbursement for shipping or transporting breastmilk during business trips, and back-up emergency child care. The Firm recognizes that attorneys may have life circumstances that create a need or desire for flexible work arrangements. We offer three types of arrangements:

  • reduced hours expectation,
  • flexible full-time, and
  • telecommuting. 

Under Dorsey’s Diversity Hours Policy, attorneys receive credit for up to 50 hours of qualifying diversity activities towards an attorney’s billable hours requirement. This policy recognizes and rewards attorneys who are committed to diversity, inclusion and equity at Dorsey and in the larger legal community. Qualifying diversity activities include attending internal and external diversity educational sessions, presenting on diversity and inclusion topics, serving on firm-wide or office diversity and inclusion committees, participation in firm resource groups, holding a leadership role in a local or national affinity bar association or another diversity organization, organizing and attending diversity-related events, participating in recruiting efforts targeted at diverse candidates, and representing Dorsey at client-facing diversity events or trainings.

Dorsey Ahead Together
Dorsey offers regular classes, programs, and events on diversity and inclusion topics as part of the Dorsey Ahead Together initiative. These sessions are focused on appreciating the diversity of our workforce and creating a more inclusive workplace.

Mentoring
Dorsey created a Diversity Advisor program for LGBTQ associates, associates of color, and senior-level women associates. These Diversity Advisors are mentors from another practice area who provide additional support and guidance to diverse associates as they advance in their careers at Dorsey.  

Participation in External Diversity Organizations
Dorsey encourages its diverse attorneys to participate in outside national and local diversity organizations and affinity bar groups by sponsoring memberships in these organizations. Additionally, many Dorsey attorneys and staff serve in leadership roles or are otherwise actively involved in various diversity organizations.