Robinson+Cole has signed on to once again participate in Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Rule 6.0, a year-long certification process developed to increase the representation of diverse lawyers in leadership positions by broadening the pool of women, lawyers of color, lawyers with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ lawyers who are considered for significant governance roles, partner promotions, inclusion in business development initiatives , and lateral partner and senior associate hiring. The firm has been Mansfield Rule-Certified for the last two years under versions 3.0 and 4.0 and is currently being evaluated under version 5.0.
“Fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment is integral to Robinson+Cole’s core values of collaboration, civility, and inclusion,” said Robinson+Cole Managing Partner Rhonda Tobin. “Our continued participation in Mansfield Rule certification provides us with measurable benchmarks to ensure we are diversifying the leaders of our firm in accordance with those core values.”
Recommitting to the Mansfield Rule is the latest in a number of steps the firm has taken in its ongoing efforts to promote diversity, and inclusion and challenge racial and social inequities. In June, the firm continued its firmwide town hall series with the presentation of two programs. The first was hosted in recognition of Pride Month with Stephanie Battaglino, author of “Reflections from Both Sides of the Glass Ceiling,” who shared highlights from her journey navigating work life from two gender perspectives. Also, in support of the celebration and promotion of the dignity, acceptance, and inclusion of those in the LGBTQ+ community, Robinson+Cole employees were encouraged to complete a training about building a workplace that is supportive of all gender identities and sexual orientations. On June 22, the firm hosted a second firmwide town hall to commemorate Juneteenth, featuring “A Visit with the Amistad Center for Art & Culture.” Kimberly Kersey, Executive Director of The Amistad Center for Art & Culture, discussed the history of Juneteenth, provided a glimpse into the museum collection, and shared a current exhibition celebrating the contributions to African American culture made by Tony Award winning actor and singer Anika Noni Rose.
In 2021, Robinson+Cole announced it will provide billable hour credit for diversity, equity, and inclusion activities and instituted the use of personal pronouns on email communications and social media. The firm also established a breast milk storage and delivery employee benefit.
Now in its sixth edition, the Mansfield Rule will measure whether Robinson+Cole has affirmatively considered at least 30 percent women, lawyers of color, lawyers with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ lawyers (“historically underrepresented lawyers”) among its field of candidates for significant leadership roles and activities in the firm. Participating law firms are also encouraged to create and post job descriptions for these leadership roles and ensure that the processes for election and/or appointment to these roles are transparent and accessible to all lawyers. For more information about the Mansfield Rule, visit Diversity Lab.
About Robinson+Cole
Robinson+Cole is an AmLaw 200 law firm established over 177 years ago, with a deeply-rooted culture of collaboration, civility, and inclusion. The Mansfield Rule Certified-firm has more than 230 lawyers in eleven offices throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Florida and California, serving regional, national, and international clients, from start-ups to Fortune 50 companies. Robinson+Cole is a service mark of Robinson & Cole LLP. For more information, please visit www.rc.com.