Arnold & Porter to Pursue Black Equity at Work Certification
Partnership with Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) aims to achieve measurable, sustained progress toward Black equity
Washington, DC -- February 17, 2021 -- Arnold & Porter announced today that it has joined the Inaugural Cohort of leading employers committed to becoming MLT Black Equity at Work Certified. The MLT Certification is a first-of-its-kind program that provides a clear standard and roadmap for employers that want to achieve Black equity internally and more broadly in society. The Certification's central focus is on action with accountability to achieve measurable results.
Richard M. Alexander, the Firm's Chairman noted, "In taking this important step, the Firm becomes one of the first international law firms to commit formally to establish a comprehensive plan, with measurable standards, toward achieving Black equity within the Firm and to hold ourselves accountable for progress. We are honored to join this group of employers who share our commitment and thank MLT for its leadership."
"The need for change is clear and the time for change is overdue. Recent events have only underscored the need for real and measurable commitment," noted Anand Agneshwar, Chair of Arnold & Porter's Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
"We are excited to work with MLT, a leading authority on racial equity in the workplace, to develop a comprehensive Black equity plan. That plan will focus on making measurable progress in the five core MLT Black Equity at Work pillars: Black representation at every level; compensation equity; inclusive, anti-racist work environment; racially just business practices; and racial justice contributions and investments," said Brenda Carr, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer.
The Firm's participation in the MLT certificate program builds on other Firm internal actions aimed at the retention and advancement of Black professionals. The Firm also recently announced initiatives to increase the pipeline of students of color, and address equity in the US education system. Information about each of the firm's partnerships with the National Bar Association, A Better Chance, and the Advancement Project is available here.
About Arnold & Porter
With nearly 1,000 lawyers practicing in 14 offices around the globe, Arnold & Porter serves clients across 40 distinct practice areas. The firm offers 100 years of renowned regulatory expertise, sophisticated litigation and transactional practices, and leading multidisciplinary offerings in the life sciences and financial services industries.