Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has been crowned as the
US’s most ethnically-diverse major law firm, according to research that shows US firms drawing on a wider pool of talent.
The research, conducted by Legal Week sister title Minority Law Journal, puts Cleary at the head of an extensive ranking based on diversity of workforce.
The ‘Diversity Scorecard’ found that 26.9% of Cleary’s US attorneys and 10.4% of partners come from an ethnic minority. The firm also has four Asian partners at its 17-partner London arm.
Cleary London partner Glen Scarcliffe (pictured) said: “If you are seen as being an open, friendly and supportive place to work then you are likely to get the most talented people applying from all minority backgrounds.”
The research shows that large corporate firms in the US are improving their record on diversity with Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe and White & Case both receiving top 10 diversity rankings. Nearly 23% of Orrick’s US lawyers were classed as coming from an ethnic minority, compared to 22.5% at White & Case.
Orrick London head Martin Bartlam commented: “Diversity is regarded very highly across the firm.”
Other internationally-focused US firms to rank in the top 20 include Morrison & Foerster, Weil Gotshal & Manges, Latham & Watkins and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.
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