Inclusion.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity is not merely an aspiration at Fennemore; it is woven into the fabric of our strategic plan and is a core value that drives our firm. We believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment fuels the innovation, perspective, and understanding necessary to serve our clients effectively and uphold the highest standards of the law. We take pride in our commitment to diversity and inclusion across all levels of our firm because we understand that our strength lies in the different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints among our team members. In embracing diversity, we are not only striving for a more inclusive environment within our firm but also endeavoring to shape a more equitable and inclusive legal profession.

Fennemore supports and partners with many legal organizations, including the John P. Morris Black Law Students Association (BLSA). 

A Shared Vision and Team Effort

Comprising approximately 50 committed attorneys and allied legal professionals, Fennemore’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council’s purpose is to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce within our firm. This council is strategically divided into task force committees, each tasked with conducting thorough research, listening intently to diverse voices, and subsequently formulating action items and best practices. The council’s active, engaged approach allows us to tackle diversity and inclusion issues head-on—establishing strategies that promote an inclusive and equitable atmosphere within Fennemore.

Pioneering Initiatives

We recognize that diversity and inclusion are continuous pursuits. We are always striving to learn, grow, and improve in these areas because we understand that a truly inclusive environment can’t be achieved overnight, but requires sustained commitment, understanding, and action. We are dedicated to promoting and nurturing diversity within the firm through mentorship programs, professional development opportunities, and initiatives aimed at advancing diverse individuals into leadership positions. Here are a few examples of the firm’s efforts:

Fennemore Fellow and Scholarship.
In 2019, we launched the Fennemore Scholarship and Fellowship program, a groundbreaking partnership with Arizona State University Law School. This initiative provides a scholarship, fully matched by ASU Law, to cover the full first year’s tuition for a deserving law student. Beyond financial support, the partnership further extends to a paid fellowship opportunity at Fennemore during the summer following the scholar’s first year of law school. Our goal is not only to alleviate financial barriers but also to offer valuable, hands-on experience within the legal field.

Firm-wide town halls, discussions, trainings, and communication.
We recognize the indispensable role that dialogue and communication play in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. We support these conversations through regularly scheduled town halls, which provide an open forum to discuss pivotal DEI issues. We also welcome expert presenters to shed light on important DEI topics—broadening our collective understanding and awareness. As part of our celebration of diversity, we host an array of events that pay tribute to various cultures, enhancing our appreciation for the richness of our global community. Additionally, we keep our employees informed with monthly updates on pertinent DEI topics. These strategies underscore our dedication to building a work environment where everyone is valued, respected, and heard.

Diversity recruiting partnerships.
At Fennemore, our commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to our recruiting and hiring practices. We understand that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to serve our clients effectively and makes us a more robust and dynamic firm. To further these goals, we recruit from a broad range of law schools, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), ensuring that we reach talented individuals from all walks of life. In addition to our extensive recruitment efforts, we actively participate in numerous diversity job fairs across the country, such as the prominent Sunbelt Diversity Job Fair in Dallas, Texas.

Pipeline project partnerships.
Fennemore believes in nurturing the next generation of legal professionals. We are proud to partner with community organizations such as the Be A Leader Program. This impactful initiative encourages high school students with an interest in law, guiding them on their journey towards entering the profession. Our team members provide essential mentorship and guidance, demystifying the process and offering invaluable insights. By actively engaging with young talent, we not only support their personal development but also diversity within the legal industry.

DEI community leadership.
At Fennemore, we extend our dedication to diversity and inclusivity beyond our firm and into the larger legal and civic communities. Our team members serve as officers in the American Bar Association, chair various state bar organizations, and sit on the boards of directors for numerous non-profit and civic organizations. Each year, we proudly support minority bar associations including the Arizona Asian American Bar Association (AAABA) and Los Abogados Hispanic Bar Association. We also participate in events for organizations like the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). Additionally, our firm gives generously to charitable organizations—focusing on those that our attorneys and staff are personally passionate about and in which they play an active role.

Partner in pioneering ABA DEI research.
Fennemore is a proud partner of the American Bar Association (ABA) and other leading organizations in research initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. As part of these efforts, the firm partnered and participated in “Achieving Long-Term Careers for Women in Law” research, an innovative collaboration with ALM Intelligence that aimed to identify the key elements within law firms and individual attorneys that facilitate sustainable careers for women in private practice. Fennemore also proudly participated in an innovative collaboration with the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University that aimed to unearth and confront the biases that LGBT+ and/or disabled attorneys face within the legal field.

Mansfield 5.0

Fennemore is currently in the process of securing the Mansfield 5.0 certification, a key milestone in our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Named after Arabella Mansfield, the first woman admitted to the practice of law in the United States, this certification is awarded by Diversity Lab to law firms that have demonstrated a serious commitment to increasing diversity in their leadership ranks. The Mansfield Rule is designed to boost the representation of diverse lawyers in law firm leadership by broadening the pool of candidates considered for these opportunities. Pursuing this certification aligns with our core values and strategic goals, and it underscores our dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where every team member has an equal opportunity to grow, thrive, and lead. We believe that our efforts towards achieving this certification will significantly enhance our ability to serve our clients, our team, and our community.

DEI Mission and Goals

The goals and mission statements below, articulated by our DEI council, serve as guiding principles—influencing and inspiring all of their actions and initiatives.

Diversity Mission Statement. The lawyers and legal professionals at Fennemore are not just practicing law; we aim to uphold the principles of fairness, respect, and dignity that the law embodies, and that starts with celebrating the diversity within our own ranks.

Inclusion Mission Statement. Together, we thrive by embracing the many perspectives and backgrounds that help us create possibilities for our clients, our team, and the communities where we live and work.

DEI commitments:

• We advocate for diverse perspectives in our work.
• We are focused on opportunities to advance talent and great ideas.
• We’re committed to achieving a welcoming environment where great ideas thrive, and everyone knows they’re a valued contributor.

Welcoming New Voices for the Future

Please join us as we continue to build a diverse and inclusive environment that respects and values the unique talents and contributions of everyone at Fennemore.