Commitment to Diversity

Ropes & Gray has always worked hard to create an inclusive environment for lawyers, technical advisors and staff from a variety of racial, religious, gender, sexual orientation, family structure and other backgrounds. We have strived to create a community where we all find sufficient similarities to feel connected, yet are aware and appreciative of those things that make us all different. Since its early days, the firm's reputation has been built by individuals from different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences. In fact, we have a long-standing reputation for being at the forefront of social advances as evidenced by its hiring of its first female associates in 1942.
Our commitment to diversity is guided by the Diversity Committee, which develops programs and events, addresses policy and personnel issues, and sets strategy to promote the recruitment, retention and advancement of people from diverse backgrounds. The firm also features attorney forums, such as the Women's Forum, Attorneys of Color Group, and its Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender Lawyers Forum. These forums also offer mentoring programs and educational and support activities that reach out to all members of the firm. Each year, Ropes & Gray recognizes an attorney or staff member for his or her outstanding contributions to the firm's diversity efforts.
Ropes & Gray has consistently been recognized as being among the nation's leading law firms in the area of diversity overall, as well as with respect to minorities, gays, lesbians, and women. Recent recognition includes "Top Twenty" rankings by Vault.com in its surveys of the 150 most prestigious law firms in the country in:

“Best in Diversity” (2004 - 2007)
“Diversity With Respect to Minorities” (2004 - 2007)
“Diversity With Respect to Women” (2004, 2005, 2007)
“Diversity With Respect to Gays & Lesbians” (2004 - 2007)

Ropes & Gray earned the top rating of 100 percent in the 2009 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The HRCF survey gave Ropes & Gray the highest possible rating based on our non-discrimination and other policies aimed at making the firm a welcoming workplace for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

We take pride in our diversity accomplishments. We are committed to continuing our work to promote and support the hiring, retention and professional development of talented, diverse individuals to all levels of the firm. The Diversity Committee has dedicated itself to the cultivation of a culturally rich and diverse community in the firm by providing support, education, mentoring, community service and an open dialogue with firm management and staff on diversity-related issues.

To learn more about our Commitment to Diversity please click here to view our 2008 Diversity Report.