Adams and Reese joins more than 365 law firms in reaffirming their commitment to Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Certification Process for 2024–2025. The number of law firms is the largest cohort to date, and it includes 83% of the AmLaw 100 top firms.
For two consecutive years, Adams and Reese has earned the Mansfield Certification by meeting the national standard of widening the leadership talent pool by increasing inclusivity for leadership positions.
“We are proud to join our colleagues in this important endeavor to reaffirm our commitment to the 2024-25 Mansfield Certification Process. At Adams and Reese, we pride ourselves on the collaborative effort to expand leadership opportunities to everyone at our firm,” said Clarence Wilbon, Adams and Reese Partner and DEI Committee Chair.
In 2023, Wilbon served as Adams and Reese Executive Committee Chair, becoming the first African American to serve in that role in the firm’s history. “The Mansfield framework further accentuates a structured and data-driven approach to take even further measurable actions to ensure our processes remain inclusive.”
Mansfield Certification, awarded by Diversity Lab, measures the structural changes and steps law firms have taken to ensure paths to leadership are open and transparent. Law firms must complete a year-long process, reporting their data processes to demonstrate they have considered all qualified talent for leadership roles. The requirement includes at least 30% historically underrepresented lawyers. Mansfield data shows that firms that remain committed and accountable to the certification process are making substantial progress in creating inclusive talent practices and diversifying their leadership ranks.
Since its founding in 1951, Adams and Reese has benefited from diverse leadership in a variety of capacities, including Executive Committee members, Practice Group Leaders, Partners in Charge, and client and practice team leaders.
The Mansfield Certification adds to several DEI recognitions that Adams and Reese has received by national publications and DEI-focused associations. Adams and Reese is a ALM/Law.com Diversity Initiative honoree; Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal; and a recipient of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association Approved SILVER Seal, among additional honors over the years.
DEI initiatives include mentorship opportunities for Adams and Reese attorneys and pipeline pathways for law students and legal professionals. Several programs include AR ARROW (Advancement, Recruitment and Retention of Women); DAAP (Diverse Attorney Advancement and Promotion); and Adams and Reese’s involvement in the NALP/Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline Program; ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship; AdvanceLaw Diversity Mentorship Program; Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, among other partnerships.