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Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

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Sidley is a staunch proponent of law firm diversity and inclusion and has been a pioneer in creating opportunities for lawyers of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation or beliefs. Our mission is to attract, retain and promote to partnership and leadership outstanding lawyers who reflect the global marketplace and communities that we serve. We are committed to achieving greater diversity and inclusivity, not just for our firm but for the legal profession as a whole.
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Companies, clients and other organizations have long recognized Sidley as a leader in diversity and inclusion. Below is a snapshot of the awards and recognition the firm has received since 2010.

2018

  • Named of the of Best Law Firms for Women, Working Mother
  • “Excellence in Diversity Award,” Discover Financial Law Department  
  • “Outstanding Firm in Advancing Gender Diversity and Inclusion,” Chambers Women in Law Awards: USA 
  • Gold Certification, Women in Law Empowerment Forum 
  • Named in the Yale Law Women’s 2018 Top Ten Family Friendly Firms Report for category honors in “Leadership & Promotions: At Least 50% of Attorneys Promoted to Equity Partner in 2017 Were Women”  
  • “Perfect” 100 score, Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) report
  • Diversity Award, MetLife

2017

  • Law Firm Award of Excellence, Freddie Mac Legal Division  
  • “Perfect” 100 score, Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) report
  • Ranked #14 on Vault’s list of the “25 Best Law Firms for Overall Diversity”
  • Gold Certification, Women in Law Empowerment Forum
  • “Most Inclusive Firm for Minority Women Lawyers,” Chambers Women in Law Awards: USA
  • 50 Best Law Firms for Women, Working Mother magazine
  • A Top Law Firm for LGBTQ Equality, Equality Illinois

2016

  • “Perfect” 100 score, Human Rights Campaign’s CEI report
  • 25 “Best Law Firms for Overall Diversity,” Vault
  • Gold Certification, Women in Law Empowerment Forum
  • “Most Pioneering Firm for Female Lawyers,” Chambers Diversity USA Awards
  • 50 Best Law Firms for Women, Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers
  • Top Law Firm for LGBT Equality, Equality Illinois
  • Law Firm Honoree, Dominican Bar Association 13th Annual Scholarship Gala
  • Allstate General Counsel’s “Excellence in Diversity Award”

Diversity Programs and Projects

People Who Make a Difference

“I think if a business wants to innovate, if it wants to appreciate the objectives of its competitors and its clients, it needs the broadest possible perspective — and I think you get broader perspective by having a diversity of opinion, background, experience and philosophy brought to the table.”

Michael Schmidtberger
New York

“I have also found that one of the most important things one can do as an associate – other than doing excellent work, of course – is to find mentors and sponsors within your practice group who can be a powerful voice for you, as you become a more senior associate and want to be on the road to partnership.”

Christina M. Craige
Los Angeles

“The fact that you have overcome a disability shows your strength and ability to persevere in the face of a great challenge — a greater challenge than typically faced. Letting it be known that you are working in this profession with a disability is not a negative — it’s very much a positive.”

Michael D. Hatcher
Dallas

“A lot of firms talk about how important it is, but once I joined Sidley, I could really see the investment. It’s a pretty amazing — the commitment from managing partners to lawyers all across the firm. Sidley really backs up our diversity talk with action.”

Richard Alonso
Washington, D.C.

“I also tell younger women not to be afraid to raise the issue of a reduced schedule because you think somehow it will be an end to your career or you won’t be promoted — because it’s just not true.”

Tanya Landon
Geneva

New York Partner Heidi Levine has made supporting and mentoring young women and minorities — both inside and outside the firm — a hallmark of her career.

Heidi Levine
New York

Pete plays an integral role in diversity and inclusion efforts at the firm.

Peter Kang
Palo Alto

Michael Schmidtberger
Michael Schmidtberger New York
Christina M. Craige
Christina M. Craige Los Angeles
Michael D. Hatcher
Michael D. Hatcher Dallas
Richard Alonso
Richard Alonso Washington, D.C.
Tanya Landon
Tanya Landon Geneva
Heidi Levine
Heidi Levine New York
Peter Kang
Peter Kang Palo Alto

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