Schnader Signs on to Mansfield Rule 2.0 to Drive Diversity in Leadership Roles and Lateral Hiring

As part of Schnader’s commitment to diversity, the firm has signed on to the Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Rule 2.0 initiative through which we will undertake affirmative and quantifiable steps to increase the participation of diverse lawyers in leadership by broadening the pool of women, LGBTQ+, and minority lawyers considered for promotions, senior level hiring, and significant leadership roles in the firm. The Mansfield Rule, named after Arabella Mansfield, the first woman admitted to the practice of law in the United States, is a diversity tool modeled after the NFL’s Rooney Rule, which boosts diversity in NFL leadership positions. 

“As we continue to strengthen Schnader through our diversity and inclusion efforts, we constantly are looking for ways to innovate in this most important area,” said David Smith, Chairman of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP. “I therefore am pleased to work with Diversity Lab to implement the Mansfield Rule, a pioneering initiative that helps law firms diversify candidate pools for significant leadership positions”. 

“We believe that the Mansfield Rule facilitates a more rigorous approach to identifying, documenting and addressing additional diversity and inclusion initiatives”, said Al Dandridge, partner at Schnader and the firm’s Chief Diversity Officer. 

“We are pleased to incorporate the Mansfield Rule as part of our overall efforts to promote diversity and inclusion at Schnader and in the legal profession”, said Lisa Rodriguez, Schnader partner and co-chair of the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. 

The Mansfield process will provide additional tools and support for our ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.