Talking the Post-DEI Talk - Large Law Firms Take on Linguistic Protective Coloring

Kirkland & Ellis describes its culture as welcoming to all. 

Paul Weiss celebrates its inclusive culture, which has been embedded in the firm since its founding.

K&L Gates focuses on opportunity and inclusion.

This is the Post-DEI era. In a sense it was "anointed as such" by the Trump administration Executive Order "Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie." Specifically cited are the law firm's policies which are described as "discriminatory." Here is an excerpt: 

 "Perkins Coie racially discriminates against its own attorneys and staff, and against applicants. Perkins Coie publicly announced percentage quotas in 2019 for hiring and promotion on the basis of race and other categories prohibited by civil rights laws." 

No surprise, other law firms struggle to prevent also being identified for such bias. Even if they don't have extensive business with government, the penalties could be severe for being perceived as "out of step" with the new world order.

Those of us growing up in the old world order of old-line urban areas of political force fields such as the Frank Hague democratic control of Hudson County, New Jersey understand what drives the preventive measures.

There used to be the cliche in Jersey City, NJ: You can't fight City Hall. In the 1950s, we observed what happened to those to tried. Many of us concluded there really was no reason to try. 

An excellent transportation system cost peanuts and ran on time. Jobs were plentiful. The parish priest, well-connected with City Hall, got your immigrant cousin from Poland in. Streets got plowed of snow. The world class maternity center - the Margaret Hague - was established. Public high schools prepared the first-generation college generation for a future very different from their parents.

The Post-DEI era will be sustainable if there are concrete benefits for a broad range of constituencies. If not, there could be chaos in social policies. Law firms, along with other businesses, will have to continue to update the language on their websites.

Meanwhile, as an intuitive career coach and tarot reader clients tell me that they have become fearful of everything from employment security to their stock/bond investments. The distress is palpable.

Is the life you’ve known collapsing? As your intuitive career coach/tarot reader I guide you to what could be next. Clients range from lawyers to entrepreneurs to the trades. Free confidential consultation. If we work together, fees are what you can afford. To connect: Jane Genova (text/phone 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). In-person and remote.



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