Hartford Business Journal

24 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 1, 2024 FOCUS | DEI McCarter & English Hartford Office Managing Partner Moy N. Ogilvie leads DEI initiatives across all 12 of the law firm's U.S. locations. HBJ PHOTOS | STEVE LASCHEVER 'Casting The Biggest Net' CT law firms ramp up DEI practices as more companies seek guidance tions, said that while internal diversity policies have ramped up at law firms across the country, they have at other businesses, too. "Our firm and our attorneys regu- larly get asked by our clients to do trainings or give guidance on certain DEI policies or initiatives," Ogilvie said. "Most corporate organizations have overall DEI policies and initia- tives in some way, shape or form, and as they grow and develop their programs, they seek guidance as needed from counsel." Robinson, from Halloran Sage, said the increase in law firm DEI practices coincides with what the private sector is experiencing. "We know, from decades of research, the organizations that implement solid DEIA practices, regardless of type, tend to produce better quality products more effi- ciently," Robinson said. "They also tend to generate more revenue per employee. And, equally as important, the workplaces that actively apply DEIA principles tend to have more engaged and committed employees. Because there is a proven correlation between increasing visible diver- sity within an organization and an increase in employees' experience of inclusion, our attorneys understand the importance of increasing diversity within the constraints of labor and employment law." By Skyler Frazer sfrazer@hartfordbusiness.com A s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives continue to be a large topic of discussion in government and the private sector, law firms are ramping up the services they offer clients that need guidance on how to navigate the increasingly complicated environment. Many Connecticut law firms, like those across the country, have added DEI consultation to their existing labor and employment practices, since the two are intrinsically linked. Connecticut-based Halloran Sage — with offices in Hartford, Danbury, Middletown and New Haven — recently created a diversity and inclusion practice led by former Connecticut Superior Court Judge Angela C. Robinson. The practice helps companies develop DEI plans and communications strategies as well as employee training programs, among other services. And the need for expertise on DEI-related policies, procedures and hiring practices is on the rise, legal experts said, especially as diversity initiatives have come under greater scrutiny following last year's Supreme Court case deci- sion that concluded colleges can't use race as a determining factor in admissions programs. Some suspected that decision would lead private companies to rethink their DEI efforts over fears of potential lawsuits. "We're definitely seeing a trend of increased popularity with clients," said Rachel V. Kushel, chair of the labor, employ- ment, benefits and immigration group at law firm Robinson + Cole, which has three Connecticut offices in Hartford, Stamford and New London. "Law firms develop and grow practices based on demand, and of course anticipated demand. So, as the DEI initiatives grow, evolve and gain momentum, which is what we're seeing now, clients are seeking assistance — they're trying to make their work- places as positive of a workplace and improve their workplace culture as much as possible." DEI law McCarter & English Hartford Office Managing Partner Moy N. Ogilvie, who heads DEI initiatives across all 12 of the firm's U.S. loca- Rachel Kushel Angela Robinson

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