People in a crowd standing in the shape of a DNA strand

Diversity

At ArentFox Schiff, we believe that excellence and diversity go hand in hand.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity produces different perspectives, richer thinking, and more creative solutions to the challenges our clients face. Our firm is committed to seeking and retaining a diverse group of attorneys and staff, while at the same time making merit-based decisions that comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination.

Our Diversity Steering Committee includes leaders from across the firm. The Committee supports the firm’s goals to recruit, retain, and advance a qualified diverse workforce, including lawyers and business professionals from historically underrepresented groups. The Committee also guides the firm’s efforts to intentionally build an environment where everyone feels welcome.

Demographics

We are proud that we achieved these demographics without using any quotas or set-asides and in full compliance with all applicable laws that prohibit employment discrimination.

54% Lawyers from Diverse Backgrounds Lawyers from diverse* backgrounds represent 54% of the firm’s attorneys.

40% Women Lawyers Women lawyers represent 40% of ArentFox Schiff attorneys, including 31% of partners.

65% Summer Associates from Diverse Backgrounds Since 2019, each of our summer associate classes has been composed of at least 65% law students from diverse backgrounds.

88% Business Professionals from Diverse Backgrounds Business professionals from diverse backgrounds represent 88% of the firm’s staff.

69% Women Business Professionals Women business professionals represent 69% of AFS staff, including 51% of c-suite and director levels.

*For consistency with industry reporting standards, we align our definition of “diverse” to include women, racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Our firm diversity initiatives and programming operate with a more expansive definition that accounts for other dimensions of diversity, including veteran status, first generation, socioeconomic status, religion, and more.

AFS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mission Statement

As lawyers and legal professionals, we have a special role to play in lawfully helping end systemic discrimination in all of its forms, and other injustices, and in achieving justice for those who are harmed. At ArentFox Schiff, diversity, equity, inclusion, and empowerment are part of our DNA.

We are committed to creating a diverse workplace where every individual knows they are valued, seen, heard, and a vital part of our firm.

We concentrate our efforts in three specific areas:

increasing diversity of all types within the firm and in the legal profession;
intentionally building an environment at AFS where everyone feels welcome and where they can progress as their authentic professional selves; and
combatting racial and social injustice through the ArentFox Schiff Center for Justice projects and other pro bono work and giving to organizations committed to lawfully fighting against discrimination and for social justice.

This mission statement is our foundational document and the basis for our diversity, equity, inclusion, and empowerment efforts. We know that we—and our society as a whole—have work to do to achieve our goals. We pledge to do our part and continue to learn about how we can create a more just, diverse, and inclusive firm and profession. At the same time, we will only take actions that are merit-based and that comply with all applicable laws that prohibit discrimination.

AFS Inclusion Networks

Our Inclusion Networks are an integral part of building and maintaining a culture of belonging at the firm. The Networks have the following goals:

Identifying ways to make AFS culture more inclusive and supportive
Connecting people at AFS based on commonalities as well as differences
Integrating new hires into the AFS community
Increasing opportunities and number of pathways to success for all people at AFS
Educating each other about the wide range of cultures and experiences our people reflect

The Inclusion Networks are open to anyone and everyone who works at the firm, regardless of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. They comply with all applicable laws that prohibit discrimination.