Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance achieves Mansfield Rule certification in US and UK

Global law firm Clifford Chance has achieved Mansfield Rule certification in the United States for the seventh consecutive year, and in the United Kingdom for the second year.

The Mansfield Rule is a 12-month certification process that measures whether law firms have considered at least 30% women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities, and senior lateral positions. Continued certification has been instrumental in helping the firm deliver its inclusion and people strategies.

THe Firm has also signed up to Mansfield’s Disability Inclusion Commitments in the US and the UK. 

In the US, the firm received 6.0 status and is now participating in the 7.0 process. As of 2023, there are more than 340 firms participating in the US and Canada, and the firm was one of the programme's first participants in 2017 when it began.

Sharis Pozen, Regional Managing Partner for the Americas said, "We continue to see the benefits of participating in the Mansfield Rule certification. Not only does it offer us the opportunity to explore how we can enhance our work to further advance our inclusion and people strategies, but the certification process also ensures the inclusion discussion is visible and open to all of our colleagues. We've seen an increased representation in leadership and welcome the opportunity to continue to improve on our progress. We're proud to have been a part of the programme since 2017."

In the UK, the firm achieved Mansfield plus status as one of the original group of 12 law firms participating. As of 2023, the number has increased in the UK to more than 20 UK law firms participating. While the Mansfield Rule UK was established in 2021 to focus on the progress of diversity of lawyers, the firm has implemented the same criteria across all roles in the UK, including Business Professionals.

Michael Bates, Regional Managing Partner for the UK said, "Being part of the Mansfield certification process is one of the ways we're making sure we continue to focus our efforts on the areas where we want to accelerate our progress towards our inclusion goals. We are pleased to have participated in its second year in the UK and remain committed to drive change and embed an inclusive culture."

You can read more about Clifford Chance's inclusion efforts HERE.