Foreword
Steven Gartner discusses how Willkie Farr & Gallagher is embracing diversity and inclusion across the firm and how it is critical to its overall success.
Diversity and inclusion initiatives have risen in prominence across the business world in recent years. They stem from core business goals – not abstract social objectives – and are publicly embraced and supported by leadership at the highest levels. Law firms around the world have long recognised the need to invest in diversity and inclusion programmes that further commitment to these ideals, but industry progress has been modest.
At Willkie, we believe everyone benefits from a diverse and inclusive workplace in which all personnel are treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect. The confluence of people of different gender identities, races, cultures, religions, beliefs, and sexual orientations across the firm yields a stronger team that is more adept at creative problem-solving on behalf of our clients. In fact, Willkie’s first female associate, Mary MacDonagh, was hired in 1939, which was extremely rare at the time. We have always known our most valuable asset is our people.
