Baker Donelson has been named to Bloomberg Law's inaugural Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Framework. Baker Donelson is one of 28 U.S.-based law firms recognized for their level of disclosure of diversity-related metrics and distinguished performance against six core pillars: demographics, leadership and talent pipeline, recruitment and retention, business innovation and strategy, marketing, and diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the community. More information about the first-of-its-kind Bloomberg Law 2021 DEI Framework, the methodology, and a full list of members, is available here.
"Through a demonstrated commitment to DEI, Baker Donelson is helping to move the legal industry forward and we recognize their performance by naming them as a member of our 2021 DEI Framework," said Joe Breda, president, Bloomberg Law. "As we look to the future, it is increasingly apparent that businesses and corporations will look to legal service providers who reflect their values and commitments. Baker Donelson has distinguished itself as a law firm that – based on its track record to date – deserves to be a part of that consideration set."
Bloomberg Law's DEI Framework was developed in collaboration with Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index team, as well as diversity leads at corporations and U.S.-based law firms. Performance was assessed across more than 85 metrics, each associated with one of the framework's six core pillars. Going forward, the methodology and membership criteria will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure alignment with industry trends, methodologies, and best practices.
"As our industry strives to make genuine and lasting progress towards true diversity and inclusion, Bloomberg Law's DEI Framework is a welcome measure to ensure transparency and accountability among law firms regarding their commitment to diversity," said Baker Donelson's Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Mark A. Baugh. "We are proud to be among a select group of law firms recognized in this inaugural listing."