WIPR Diversity survey now live: Have your say on D&I
For the fourth year running, WIPR is looking to gather in-depth information about the progress of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the IP profession and we would really value hearing your thoughts on this vital issue.
Our survey is now live, and you can access it here.
Undoubtedly, the IP landscape has changed for the better amid a heightened focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
The good news for the legal sector is that the cohort of summer associates at US law firms last year was the most diverse ever recorded, according to a January diversity survey by the National Association for Law Placement (NALP).
“There has been a renewed focus on recruiting diverse candidates, which has been a big challenge in the past,” Jean Lee, CEO of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) told WIPR.
But the flip side is that change isn’t happening fast enough as levels of diversity continue to lag at more senior levels. The NALP survey showed that in the US in 2021 just 22% of equity partners were women and only 9% were people of colour
And despite slight gains last year, just over 4% of all partners are women of colour, while Black women and Latinx women each continue to represent less than 1% of all partners in US law firms.
And for law firms that are excelling in diverse recruitment at the entry level, there can be further obstacles when it comes to inclusion and retention.
“The question is how to get these candidates to stay long enough to ensure they make partner or another leadership position?” queried Lee.
In the UK, the picture is slightly better for women. According to a February diversity survey by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (UK) based on data supplied by more than 8,700 law firms employing more than 180,000 people across England and Wales, women make up 35% of partners in the UK.
But only 8% of partners at the largest UK firms are Black, Asian or of ethnic origin.
The slow pace in changing the status quo means that it is integral that your voice is heard in our survey so we can all advance and promote change.
All of your answers in our WIPR’s annual diversity survey will be treated as confidential and all data will be aggregated so no responses can be linked to identifiable people or companies/firms.
Over the next month, our WIPR team will analyse the responses and share the results in our upcoming WIPR Diversity 2022 digital publication.
Don’t miss this chance to have your say on these critically important topics, as our sector aims to deliver meaningful and long-lasting changes in the area of D&I.
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