Fish & Richardson Earns Mansfield Certification Plus for 2023-24, Affirming Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Fish & Richardson has earned the prestigious Mansfield Certification Plus for the 2023-2024 period. Fish has achieved Mansfield Certification each year since the recognition was created in 2017. The achievement underscores Fish's steadfast dedication to promoting inclusive and equitable workplaces within the legal industry. 

The Mansfield Certification, a rigorous year-long process, ensures that law firms consider at least 30% women, attorneys of color, LGBTQ+ attorneys, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities, and senior lateral positions. The focus is on “opening the door wider” and ensuring that opportunities for advancement are transparent and inclusive for everyone. Mansfield expands opportunities, fostering growth without imposing limitations. 

"As we celebrate this achievement, we remain focused on continuing to expand opportunities for diverse talent within our firm and the broader legal community," said Director of Diversity & Inclusion Whitney Smallwood. "The Mansfield Certification process challenges us to constantly improve and innovate in our approach to diversity and inclusion." 

Fish's participation in the Mansfield Certification process aligns with its broader diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The firm's Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan provides benchmarks to promote a respectful and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences. 

Key initiatives include:

• Nine affinity and allyship groups that cultivate community and promote development and retention through enrichment opportunities and mentorship
• The School of Fish: STEM Careers in IP Law program, designed to expose students from underrepresented communities to career paths in intellectual property law 

Fish joins over 360 law firms that achieved Mansfield Certification for 2023-2024, representing a 13% increase from the previous year. This growing commitment across the legal industry underscores the importance of transparent and inclusive practices in advancing diversity in leadership. 

For more information about Fish & Richardson's diversity initiatives and the Mansfield Certification, please visit Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.