Managing Partner, Mary Beth Gray was quoted in a Law.com article on ways that midsize law firms can foster more inclusive environments and shed the boys-club stigma. The article notes certain challenges that are unique to midsize firms, including the size of the firm itself and the limitations of a smaller talent pool.
“On the one hand, you would think [creating cultural norms] is easier because people are more visible to each other. In a giant firm it may be harder to implement a particular policy because you’re trying to carry that out across a broader band of people,” said Mary Beth. “On the other hand, the representation of different groups might be smaller. You have to work harder to find people who move outside of a very homogeneous population.”
Mary Beth also emphasized the importance of mentorship and open lines of communication and developing opportunities for women to feel seen and heard.
“We’re making sure senior lawyers are working closely with junior lawyers, with the hope that relationship will lead to a more open conversation between two people who have developed trust,” Mary Beth said. “And the other thing we’re doing now is finding opportunities for all the women in the office to be together without men there….everyone is the same gender and there’s a mix of relationships. If my paralegal feels very comfortable speaking with me, people can see that.”