Stark & Stark is pleased to announce that our firm is participating in Diversity Lab’s Midsize Mansfield Rule initiative as part of our continued efforts to actively advance the recruitment, development, and promotion of diverse lawyers. Stark & Stark is one of over 100 midsize law firms nationwide to participate in the Mansfield Rule Certification program.
The Mansfield Rule is named for Arabella Mansfield, the first woman admitted to practice law in the United States. The initiative measures whether law firms affirmatively consider diverse lawyers for hiring, advancement, and significant leadership roles. The goal of the Mansfield Rule is to boost the representation of diverse lawyers in law firm leadership by broadening the pool of candidates considered for these opportunities. “As Stark & Stark pursues Mansfield Rule Certification, we have demonstrated our commitment to the importance of diversity and inclusion standards for the legal industry,” said Managing Shareholder Michael Donahue. “Stark and Stark strives to cultivate an environment that celebrates differences for the benefit of all”
Under this initiative, Stark & Stark is committed to obtaining a candidate pool that consists of at least 30% women, attorneys from underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups, lawyers with disabilities, and/or LGBTQ+ attorneys. The Mansfield Rule initiative also includes a commitment by Stark & Stark to be transparent in our internal governance, particularly with our selection guidelines and job descriptions for firm management roles and committees. Our firm believes that everyone deserves a path to success, which is why diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at Stark & Stark. “We are excited to participate in this initiative as the Mansfield Rule aligns with Stark & Stark’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion objectives,” said Stark & Stark’s Director of Human Resources. “Stark & Stark is diligent in our efforts to promote equal opportunities in all aspects of our firm, especially during the hiring process.”