News

Farella Braun + Martel Pursues Midsize Mansfield Rule Certification

September 13, 2021 Announcement

Farella Braun + Martel is proud to announce that it is participating in the second iteration of the Midsize Mansfield Rule certification process, which aims to increase the representation of diverse lawyers in leadership.

The Midsize Mansfield certification process is modeled after the version for larger firms and has been fine-tuned to boost diversity in leadership for firms with smaller lawyer populations, single office locations, and leaner firm leadership structures. The 18-month certification period for the Midsize version begins on September 15, 2021.

According to Diversity Lab, which oversees the Mansfield certification process, the overall goal of the Midsize Mansfield Rule is to increase the representation of diverse lawyers in leadership by broadening the pool of women, LGBTQ+ lawyers, lawyers with disabilities, and/or racial/ethnic minority lawyers who are considered for entry-level and lateral attorney job openings, leadership opportunities, equity partner promotions, and opportunities to connect with clients. In order to be Mansfield Certified, law firms are asked to consider at least 30% historically underrepresented lawyers for 60% or more of certain leadership roles and activities identified on the Diversity Lab website here.

In the Diversity Lab press release, Farella Managing Partner Brian Donnelly said, “Farella Braun + Martel has a deep commitment to ensuring inclusive, equitable work environments and to growing greater diversity in the legal pipeline. Through embracing challenging, innovative initiatives — like the Midsize Mansfield Rule — as part of a community of firms with these common goals, we believe we can help drive positive change that benefits the entire legal ecosystem." 

Farella Partner and Chief Talent and Inclusion Officer Sarah Good adds, "I'm thrilled that Farella is part of the new Midsize Mansfield Rule Cohort. Our participation is another important step forward in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our firm and in the legal profession."

Farella Braun + Martel is a leading Northern California law firm representing corporate and private clients in sophisticated business transactions and complex commercial, civil and criminal litigation. Clients seek our imaginative legal solutions and the dynamism and intellectual creativity of our lawyers. We are headquartered in San Francisco and maintain offices in the Napa Valley that are focused on the wine industry.

Contact:
Cheryl Loof
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
[email protected] / (415) 954-4433