Vinson & Elkins Earns Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification for Focus on Diversity in Leadership

“We are proud of our commitment to diversity, including our most recent Mansfield certification. For us, diversity begins with each individual who works at our firm. Our hope is that our community will be one that is rich in relationship building and networking, including among colleagues who come from different backgrounds and perspectives,” said Keith Fullenweider, chair, Vinson & Elkins.

“Achieving Mansfield certification for another year is a testament to our dedication to breaking down barriers within the legal profession. We recognize the vital role everyone plays in shaping the industry, and this certification reaffirms our pledge to provide equal opportunities, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and valued,” said Hilary Preston, vice chair, Vinson & Elkins.

With purposeful involvement from the highest levels of leadership across the firm, Vinson & Elkins’ diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are focused on meaningful solutions to attract, retain, and promote the best and brightest lawyers and business professionals, and to create the conditions where all at V&E can thrive. The firm’s culture is rooted in deep and meaningful connections that enable teamwork and collaboration, as expressed by the following:

• Culture: At a very basic level, our culture is healthy when everyone feels comfortable, respected, and has a sense of belonging
• Client service: Our clients expect the highest level of problem solving and innovation.
• Mentorship: Recognizing each individual and their full potential is a critical foundation for our talent management programs and practices and central to our approach to DEI

The Mansfield Rule is a data-driven and behavioral science-based certification process, measuring whether participating law firms and in-house legal departments have affirmatively considered at least 30% women, underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership roles, equity partner promotions, client opportunities, and senior lateral positions. Mansfield Rule focuses on transparency and accountability with a commitment to propel change leading to meaningful results toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Diversity Lab is an incubator for innovative ideas and solutions that boost diversity and inclusion in law. Diversity Lab leverages data, behavioral science, design thinking, and technology to further develop and test new ideas, measure the results, and share lessons learned.