Jones Walker proudly announces two significant initiatives to support the firm’s pledge to build a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable law firm and greater legal community.

Following the 2021 appointment of Richard Cortizas as Jones Walker’s first Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), the firm’s Diversity Committee in 2022 worked closely with firm leadership to identify substantial and measurable ways for the firm to build and maintain an inclusive and innovative workplace.

The firm proudly announces that Jones Walker has pledged support for the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s (LCLD) Leaders at the Front Initiative and is currently pursuing the rigorous Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Rule Certification process.

Speaking about this important diversity and inclusion work, Richard said, “It is vital that we join our peers and our clients in leading the way for progress. Together we can make a real impact in creating an inclusive and more diverse legal community. These two commitments are meaningful and create measurable steps in achieving Jones Walker’s diversity goals.”

Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD)
The firm has pledged a meaningful commitment to the LCLD’s Leaders at the Front Initiative, which serves to dismantle historical and systemic barriers preventing underrepresented attorneys from reaching the highest levels of leadership within law firms and corporate legal departments. The Jones Walker and Managing Partner’s pledges convey our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Mansfield Rule Certification
The firm is participating in the 2022-2023 Mansfield Rule certification process facilitated by Diversity Lab. This year’s certification requires law firms to adopt and adhere to specific policy considerations when promoting, electing, and hiring firm leadership, including, but not limited to, the consideration of historically underrepresented talent when appointing, electing, and promoting leaders within the firm. Jones Walker is committed to the advancement of diversity and inclusion through accountability and transparency.

“I am proud of the action we are taking as a firm to provide a pathway for diverse lawyers to find careers and leadership positions at Jones Walker and in our profession,” said Bill Hines, Managing Partner of Jones Walker LLP.

About Jones Walker
Jones Walker LLP (joneswalker.com) is among the largest 135 law firms in the United States. With offices in Alabama, Arizona, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, and Texas, we serve local, regional, national, and international business interests. The firm is committed to providing a comprehensive range of legal services to major multinational public and private corporations, Fortune® 500 companies, money center banks, worldwide insurers, and emerging companies doing business in the United States and abroad.