Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our firm’s culture and identity and are reflected not only in the people who work here, but also in the way we approach legal practice.

Because we work with clients around the world on matters involving a broad array of legal, business, and social/cultural perspectives, we understand the value of being an eclectic group of lawyers. Fostering interactions among lawyers from different backgrounds makes us a more welcoming and supportive firm—and one that better positions us to serve our clients and their legal needs.

Embracing Diversity

• Mansfield Rule Certification
• Leadership Council on Legal Diversity 2024 Compass Award
• Top 10 Firm for Female Attorneys, Law360 2024 Women in Law Report
• Top 20 Firm in 2024 Diversity Scorecard, The American Lawyer
• Bronze DEI Leadership Seal Recipient, The State Bar of California, 2024
• Top 5 for Diversity, Law360, 2023
• Best International Firm: Work-Life Balance, Euromoney Americas Women in Business Law Awards, 2023
• Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion, Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 2023
• Bank of America Diversity and Inclusion Business Council Award, 2023-2022

Affinity Groups

As active participants in the firm’s efforts to achieve greater inclusion, Cleary’s affinity groups collaborate with firm leadership, organize social activities, and strive to raise awareness around topics relevant to the members of their respective groups. Attorneys, regardless of identity or background, can join and participate in any affinity group.

We proudly support the following:

• Black Affinity Group
• East Asian Affinity Group
• Latinx Affinity Group
• LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
• South East Asian-South Asian-Middle Eastern Affinity Group

Women at Cleary

Supporting the success of women is one of our priorities and we strive to cultivate opportunities for mentorship as well as platforms for attorneys to share lived experiences at the firm.

• Women’s Working Groups and Leadership Committees: All Cleary lawyers, including associates and partners, may attend training sessions on career networking and professional development organized by our Women’s Working Groups and leadership committees in various offices. Activities include networking receptions, lunch discussions with a variety of internal and external speakers, and events with Cleary alumni. Participants benefit from a sense of community and learn to hone their professional networking skills.
• Kate Stoneman Project (KSP): Cleary is a founding member of KSP, which was initiated by 20 women partners from 10 leading law firms in Manhattan. The Project provides a forum to address issues of common concern relating to the advancement of women in the profession and leverages the collective strength of KSP women partners to advance leadership in professional, civic, educational, and charitable endeavors.

Cleary Scholars

In a constantly changing legal environment, we believe that we can best service clients with confident, creative, and well-rounded lawyers who bring a variety of perspectives and experiences. Through our Cleary Scholars program, we are pleased to offer scholarships to Cleary summer associates with a demonstrated interest in building a more inclusive legal community, engagement in Cleary’s practice, and notable academic and leadership achievements. The application process is open to all law students, regardless of identity or background, and we strongly encourage law students across a variety of backgrounds to apply.