Inclusion.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are not merely aspirations at Fennemore; they are woven into the fabric of our strategic plan and serve as core values that drive our firm. We believe that bringing together varied perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences fuels the innovation and insight needed to serve our clients effectively and uphold the highest standards of law. We understand that our strength lies in the collective experiences and viewpoints of our team. We strive to foster a culture of belonging within our firm and to help 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 90 committed attorneys and allied legal professionals, Fennemore’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Council’s purpose is to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce within our firm. The Council is strategically organized into task force committees, focusing on belonging and inclusion; advancement, retention and recruitment; community service and outreach; and education and awareness. The Council’s active, engaged approach allows us to establish programs and strategies that promote an inclusive atmosphere within Fennemore and in the communities we serve.

D&I Mission and Goals

The goals and mission statements below, articulated by our D&I Council, serve as guiding principles—influencing and inspiring the Council’s actions and initiatives.

Diversity 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.

Inclusion Mission Statement.  Together, we strive to create an inclusive law firm that upholds respect for each other and our unique backgrounds. We commit on all levels to work together to promote equal opportunity, to understand and value differences, and to foster a dignified and diverse work environment.

D&I commitments:

• We advocate for diverse perspectives in our work.
• We focus 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.

Pioneering Initiatives

We are dedicated to promoting and nurturing diversity and inclusion within the firm through mentorship programs, professional development opportunities, and initiatives aimed at promoting equal opportunity, collaboration, and leadership. Here are a few examples of the firm’s efforts:

Fennemore Scholarship and Fellowship.
In 2019, we launched Fennemore’s Scholarship and Fellowship program, a groundbreaking partnership with Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. The scholarship program is open to incoming law students at ASU Law, offering financial support to those pursuing their legal education.  This initiative provides one scholarship per year, 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 after 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 educational seminars, trainings, and communication.
We recognize the indispensable role that dialogue and communication play in promoting a more inclusive culture at Fennemore. We support these conversations through regularly scheduled educational seminars, which provide an open forum for all of our team members to discuss pivotal D&I issues. We also welcome expert presenters to shed light on important D&I 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 community. These strategies underscore our dedication to building a work environment where everyone is valued, respected, and heard.

Recruitment.
At Fennemore, we understand that a diverse workforce of legal professionals and diversity of thought 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 and job fairs across the country. Our goal is to expand the pool of candidates and consider qualified talent from all backgrounds and walks of life for employment opportunities.  While we strive for a diverse applicant pool, all employment decisions are made without regard to race, sex, or other protected characteristics.

Pipeline project partnerships.
Fennemore believes in nurturing the next generation of legal professionals. We are proud to partner with community and nonprofit organizations such as the “Be A Leader Foundation” and their Career Exploration Week. This impactful annual program encourages Phoenix-area high school students with an interest in law, providing guidance and support as they embark on their path to entering the legal profession. Our team members provide the students with a behind-the-scenes experience of the practice of law, while demystifying the process and offering invaluable insights. By actively engaging with young talent, we not only support their personal development but also encourage diversity within the legal profession.

“She Rise” Women Attorneys’ Initiative.
“She Rise” is a firmwide program that seeks to support and cultivate professional opportunities both in and outside the firm for women lawyers and allied legal professionals. “She Rise” is a testament to our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment at our firm where all talent can thrive.

D&I 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, such as the Arizona Asian American Bar Association (AAABA) and Los Abogados Hispanic Bar Association. 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.

 

Fennemore Achieves Mansfield Certification

Fennemore has earned the prestigious Mansfield Certification for 2023-2024, highlighting our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Named after Arabella Mansfield, the first woman admitted to law practice in the U.S., this certification is awarded to firms committed to equal opportunities for all qualified attorneys to participate in leadership roles.

This certification highlights Fennemore’s commitment to transparent and accessible leadership advancement progress, broad consideration of qualified lawyers for leadership roles and key opportunities, and a continued focus on inclusivity.

Our participation in the Mansfield Rule initiative aligns with our core values and strategic goals.

Fennemore is reaffirming its dedication to the Mansfield Certification, prioritizing that all talent at our firm has a fair and equal chance to grow and thrive. We are proud to be part of a growing community of over 365 law firms committed to having diverse leadership in the legal industry.

For more information, please see here.

A Proud Recipient of the 2024 Partner in Diversity Medallion from the State Bar of Nevada

We are honored to have received the 2024 Partner in Diversity Medallion from the State Bar of Nevada, recognizing our unwavering commitment to these core values. Our team of legal professionals brings diverse experiences, allowing us to better serve our clients and develop creative solutions. We remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Together, we can make a difference.

For more information, please see here.