Burgess & Niple’s Post

📣 Today Bloomberg Law released its fourth annual DEI Framework, recognizing 57 US-based law firms in an industry-leading program that acknowledges firms that meet or exceed standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Firms that made our member list are standing out for their people, programs, and policies that contribute to diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. Find out which firms made the list this year! Link in comments

https://lnkd.in/ePYdzzGX There’s a recognition that decades of laissez-faire has not worked for people, and antitrust and competition policy is the way we can hold large corporations accountable on behalf of working Americans.” https://lnkd.in/ePYdzzGX

Getting involved in National Employment Lawyers Association- Illinois was one of the best moves I ever made for my practice. We are such a collegial group, working together to improve the lives of Illinois' employees. #employmentlaw #workplacerights #legislation

Sen. Kennedy Urges FDIC Chair Gruenberg’s Resignation In a decisive call for accountability, **Sen. John Kennedy** confronts FDIC Chair **Martin Gruenberg** during a Senate Banking Committee hearing. Highlighting a report that exposes a persistent toxic work environment, including sexual harassment and discrimination, Kennedy challenges the integrity of Gruenberg's leadership. With a firm stance on the moral imperative of financial ethics and workplace safety, Kennedy urges Gruenberg to take responsibility and resign, reflecting the senator's commitment to upholding the standards of American financial institutions. #SenatorKennedy #KennedyGruenberg #FDICResignation #BankingHearing #FinancialEthics #USPolitics #GovernmentAccountability #NationalSecurity #BorderPolicyDebate #MayorkasTestimony

On June 29th, the U.S. Supreme Court issued their decision to end affirmative action. Bard MBA alum Jarrid Green ’18 recently published an opinion piece on BSR's blog that describes the ramifications of this decision from the business side: “Indeed, business leaders should understand and respond to the end of affirmative action for what it is: a significant and material risk to long-term corporate economic success.”(Green) Jarrid provides tips for companies to move forward with the heavy decision, including ways for companies to commit to diversity and support initiatives that seek “fact-based public policy.” Read Jarrid’s full blog here: https://lnkd.in/e4qEcTfF

📆 Save the Date: December 12, 2023 | ⏰ 12 PM - 1 PM CT Please join us for a formal panel discussion focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with an emphasis on evaluating current successes and challenges, as well as strategizing for future initiatives. The panelists aim to provide insights into the practical application of DEI principles both internally within organizations and externally in the wider community. The discussion will specifically consider the implications of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the cases of SFFA v. Harvard and UNC, and how these rulings impact DEI efforts. Peter S. Salib, Senior Diversity & Inclusion Manager at Perkins Coie LLP, will moderate the panel featuring Jennifer E. Fisher Golden, Director and Senior Counsel at Boeing, and Lisa Kpor, Litigation Counsel at United Airlines. 📚 Earn 1 hour CLE in Professional Responsibility/Diversity & Inclusion. This panel is geared towards legal professionals and corporate leaders seeking to enhance their understanding and execution of DEI strategies within their organizations. Sign up for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/gbWs4R_T #DEIPanel #LegalDEI #DiversityInLaw #FBALegalTalk #CLEOpportunities #LawyersOfChicago #CorporateDEI #DEIStrategies #LegalInclusion #FutureOfLaw #EquityInAction #InclusiveLeadership #DEIInsights #FBACEvent #LegalProfessionDiversity

Last week, I had the privilege of moderating a lively expert panel at Seramount's WorkBeyond Summit, https://bit.ly/3ETBzOx, on Corporate DEI After Affirmative Action. Teedra Bernard, SVP and Chief Talent and Diversity Officer of TransUnion, Erin Webber, President and Managing Director of Littler and Britney Torres, a Shareholder in Littler's Inclusion Equity and Diversity practice group, shared risk management strategies for DEI professionals to navigate their companies’ commitments in the wake of the Supreme Court’s recent affirmative action ruling. Among the takeaways from the discussion: DEI and HR professionals are collaborating more closely with their corporate law departments and outside counsel to protect DEI initiatives in a more challenging legal environment.

Nine Coblentz partners and four practices are recognized in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA, including three newly ranked partners and our newly ranked Employment practice. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3x6uuKe #chambersandpartners #coblentzlaw

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision on #affirmativeaction, corporate America is walking a tightrope on #DEI. Republican state attorneys general recently issued a warning to the Fortune 100 to comply with so-called “race-neutral” principles. Democratic state attorney generals responded offering legal defense to companies.The political and legal pressure may have some companies rethinking their DEI efforts, but those that back down out of fear may be overlooking a core group: their shareholders. Researchers over the past few years have found positive correlations between companies’ diversity and stock performance. A The Wall Street Journal study found that the 20 most diverse companies saw an average annual stock return of 10% over five years, compared to a 4.2% return for the 20 least diverse companies. Our own Tolu Lawrence and Ashley Marchand Orme look at the mounting evidence on the importance of diversity on a company’s bottom line, and how corporations are proceeding in a post-affirmative action environment in our latest Fortune editorial:  https://lnkd.in/egXd63P4

There’s been a decline in the proportion of first-time, female and minority ethnic candidates appointed as non-executive directors in the UK’s largest listed companies. Our latest newsletter for in-house counsel analyses the findings of the recent Spencer Stuart 2023 UK Board Index, and more. Read it now: bit.ly/3sqQZY1 #InHouseCounsel #GeneralCounsel #EmploymentLaw