The “best and the brightest” lawyers in the junior ranks of the profession do not “look” like the ones at the top. According to the 2017 NALP Report on Diversity, minorities account for 8.4% of partners in the nation’s major firms. Women account for 22.7%.
Year after year, firms across the country neglect these demographics in the workplace, losing talent and new business ventures as a result. To create a more inclusive workforce and change the face of the legal profession, retention must become a priority for employers.
However, retaining diverse set of talent requires a different set of skills for most of the industry. Going forward, employers must put a greater emphasis on strategic talent development. As they do, they will reap its rewards, receiving a measurable return on investment for both bottom line and its employees.