Dykema Commits to Diversity Lab and ChIPs 2021 Inclusion Blueprint

Press Releases

11.01.21

Dykema, a leading national law firm, will join 50 other firms in participating in Diversity Lab and ChIPs commitment to take at least one “Do Something Hard” action as part of the 2021 Inclusion Blueprint.

The Inclusion Blueprint is a collaborative project between Diversity Lab and ChIPs—a nonprofit organization focused on advancing and connecting women in technology, law, and policy—that provides a first-of-its-kind tool to assess and measure inclusion actions at law firms in the leadership and practice group level to ensure that historically underrepresented lawyers have fair and equal access to quality work, influential sponsors and clients, and other opportunities. The assessment also includes a commitment to “Do Something Hard.”

“Following on the firm’s participation in Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification process, I’m thrilled to continue our commitment to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our own firm and the legal industry at large,” said Len Wolfe, Dykema’s Chairman & CEO. “The Inclusion Blueprint has detailed metrics to guide these commitments, ensuring accountability. I’m confident we’ll make progress against our goals, and that our participation will have a lasting impact at the firm.”

Dykema has committed to two “Do Something Hard” actions, one at the leadership level and another at a practice group level. At the leadership level, the firm is committing to providing 50 hours of billable credit to lawyers for meaningful contributions to diversity and inclusion at the firm and in the profession. At the practice group level, the firm’s Product Liability and Class Action practices are committed to increasing client team diversity and more direct access to clients for diverse attorneys.

“Participation in the Inclusion Blueprint aligns with our focus on promoting a diverse and inclusive environment in the firm,” said Sherrie L. Farrell, Chair of Dykema’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. “Dykema has taken a strong stance on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and this new commitment will ensure that we are taking meaningful actions to achieve a more equitable work environment and culture.”

About Diversity Lab

Diversity Lab is an incubator for innovative ideas and solutions that boost diversity and inclusion in law. Experimental ideas are created through our Hackathons and piloted in collaboration with more than 150 top law firms and legal departments across the country. Diversity Lab leverages data, behavioral science, design thinking, and technology to further develop and test new ideas and research, measure the results, and share the lessons learned. For more information, visit www.diversitylab.com.

About ChIPs

ChIPs is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing and connecting women in technology, law, and policy. ChIPs seeks to accelerate innovation in these areas by increasing diversity of thought, participation, and engagement. At ChIPs, members are united in the belief that diversity, of all types, is essential to innovation and to a thriving, evolving society. Membership is open to anyone who shares this mission. Founded in 2005 by seven women chiefs of intellectual property, it has expanded beyond those roots, now with over 3,000 members and nine regional chapters in the United States and abroad. Many members are engaged at the heart of current events—as active participants in the lawmaking, policymaking, judicial, advocacy, and innovation processes. Please visit www.chipsnetwork.org.