Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our firm-wide DEI Committee, co-chaired by Daniel L. Dominguez and Maile Hitomi Solís, currently consists of attorneys across all levels and areas of practice. The committee meets quarterly and is constantly looking at new initiatives and ways they can be implemented firmwide.
In 2023, BFKN retained the 2040 Strategy Group, a nationally recognized DEI consultancy, to help the firm grow and evolve in our DEI mission. So far, the 2040 Strategy Group team, led by their CEO Dr. Alvin Tillery, has performed a firmwide cultural assessment and worked with the committee and the firm on various initiatives, including curating and implementing a mandatory DEI training program for all attorneys, paralegals, and staff, which we believe is crucial to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace for all employees.
Midsize Mansfield Rule
BFKN is proud to have achieved Midsize Mansfield Rule Certification Plus in 2023 and 2024. The Mansfield Rule, an initiative from Diversity Lab, measures the achievement of certain structural metrics designed to better ensure our paths to leadership – including lateral hiring, client pitch teams, promotions, and appointments – are open and transparent to all qualified attorneys. BFKN remains dedicated to broadening our networks for recruiting highly-qualified candidates from groups that have been historically underrepresented in the legal profession.
Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
In July 2022, BFKN co-managing partner, Roger H. Stetson, committed to the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity's (LCLD) Leaders at the Front Pledge. The LCLD is an organization of more than 400 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners who have pledged themselves, through the Leaders at the Front initiative and other means, to creating a diverse U.S. legal profession. The Leaders at the Front Pledge is designed to address the systemic barriers diverse attorneys face and to build on what works to create sustainable “next practices” for DEI in the legal profession by asking its members to make personal commitments to DEI and implement organizational changes that are specific, meaningful, and measurable. This commitment followed the selection of BFKN Partner Allison N. Powers as a LCLD Fellow in February 2022. The LCLD Fellows program seeks to increase diversity at the leadership levels of the nation’s law firms and corporate legal departments. Launched in 2011, LCLD's landmark Fellows Program is designed for diverse, high-potential, mid-career attorneys at LCLD member organizations. The goal of the program is to provide Fellows with professional and personal development opportunities, leadership training, relationship-building opportunities, and access to other LCLD members. In February 2024, BFKN Associate Carmel I. Dooling was selected as an LCLD Pathfinder. Launched in 2015, the Pathfinders Program was created to fill gaps in learning and support for early-career attorneys, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, who have shown promising leadership potential.
Mission Statement
BFKN is committed to the establishment, maintenance, and growth of a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are respected and intentionally valued by implementing initiatives and programs that will foster collaboration and accountability. We strive to attract the most qualified professionals from all backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities and to create a rewarding and fulfilling environment in which our people feel valued and appreciated and can grow and advance their careers. BFKN’s DEI Committee oversees equitable reviews of the firm’s policies and procedures, its accreditation into and implementation of the Midsized Mansfield Rule program, diversity, equity, and inclusion training, and holistic recruiting procedures on an ongoing and forward-looking basis.