Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to our success — and to the integrity of the legal profession.

Being a leader in today’s legal landscape requires that we maximize the contributions and engagement of our talent and exceed the expectations of our clients. Working with the world’s greatest innovators gives us a front-row seat to the power of creativity. We see firsthand how diverse perspectives promote innovation. Fish & Richardson welcomes diverse voices to inform our decision-making and improve our practice. Our openness translates to continuous learning, sparking new approaches and keeping us at the top of our field.

As a firm that serves the world’s greatest visionaries, we know that creativity and innovation almost inevitably are the result of seeing the world from multiple different perspectives. Having a diverse team enhances the quality of legal services we provide to our clients, sustains our standing as a premier IP law firm, and strengthens the fabric of our firm. The American Bar Association (ABA) stresses that, “A diverse legal profession is more just, productive, and intelligent because diversity, both cognitive and cultural, often leads to better questions, analyses, solutions, and processes.”

Our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are designed to build on our inclusive culture to gain new insights, develop better decision-making, and create positive outcomes for our clients. Helping develop an inclusive community inside and outside of the firm enables people to show up as their whole selves and hold space for others doing the same.

Three of our initiatives, School of Fish, the Fish 1L Diversity Fellowship program, and Fish affinity groups, are described below.

In addition to the efforts at the firm, we are committed to building and maintaining partnerships with clients and community organizations.

Sampling of Initiatives

School of Fish: STEM Careers in IP Law 

The School of Fish program helps to expose students to career paths in the legal profession. Designed for students pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees in science or engineering, this free educational scholarship program helps participants gain a basic understanding of intellectual property law, evaluate various career paths, and learn what steps they need to take to achieve their career goals.  

The School of Fish program is a series of five virtual workshops, held in the fall, followed by an in-person seminar held at the firm’s Washington, D.C., office in winter. Participants at this in-person event have the opportunity to discuss their plans with university career services professionals and network with experienced practitioners in the industry. 

Participants receive a $1,000 scholarship, reimbursement for the LSAT or Patent Office Exam fee, and a discount on an LSAT or Patent Office Exam prep course. Fish also pays travel and lodging expenses for program participants.  Learn more or apply to School of Fish.

1L Diversity Fellowship Program

Launched in 2005, Fish’s 1L Diversity Fellowship Program provides annual fellowships to first-year law students throughout the country. The program represents a key component of the firm’s ongoing initiative to recruit, retain, and advance attorneys who will contribute to the diversity of our practice and of the legal profession.

The 1L Diversity Fellowship Program is composed of four components. Each selected fellow receives:

  • A paid summer associate position in one of Fish's domestic offices during the summer.
  • Mentoring throughout the academic year by members of the firm.
  • A scholarship award of up to $30,000. Fish will award $5,000 to all 1L Diversity Fellowship recipients upon completion of their 1L summer clerkship with the firm, $10,000 to those returning as a 2L summer associate at Fish for the full summer program, and $15,000 to those who join the firm as an associate after law school graduation. 
For more information, read FAQs on the Fellowship Program and “In Their Words,” an article by Fish attorney and former fellow Karan Jhurani; or watch the following video.

Affinity Groups

A culture of inclusion and belonging is maintained by a robust and supportive network of peers, allies, and champions. Our affinity groups are open to all Fish employees and foster networking and community among attorneys and staff, and promote development and retention through enrichment opportunities and mentorships.

Attorney Testimonials

"I chose Fish for its preeminent legal practice but also because of its people. The team is extremely talented and hardworking and yet they also felt like family. The diversity program and its mentorship opportunities helped me feel even more welcome and supported. If you are looking for rewarding work with top-notch people, Fish is the place for you."

— Irene Hwang, ’19 Diversity Fellow, ’20 Summer Associate, ’21 Associate

"In virtually all my interactions with Fish attorneys before, during, and after my 1L summer experience, I saw first-hand the priority they place as a law firm on promoting diversity and inclusion and ensuring that all voices are heard. If you seek a professional career at a top law firm that cares about these issues, you will not be disappointed at Fish."

— Mohammad Reza Kameli, ’20 Diversity Fellow, ’21 Returning Summer Associate

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Recognition

Fish is involved in a broad range of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, leading to recent recognition as one of the country’s top firms for diversity.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Fish is devoted to encouraging diversity at the firm and across the legal profession. We base employment decisions on personal capabilities and qualifications without discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We prohibit and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any applicable legally protected status.