Benesch Again Earns Mansfield Certification, Demonstrating Continued Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity in Leadership

Benesch is pleased to announce that, for the third year in a row, the firm has achieved Mansfield Certification status. This follows a year-long process designed to promote fair and equal opportunity for the advancement of underrepresented groups in law to boost their representation. Mansfield is focused on broadening the talent pool for consideration, including those historically underrepresented in the field, to facilitate transparent pathways to leadership and create a more inclusive legal profession.

“Upholding our commitment to diversity and inclusion is of utmost importance,” said Benesch Managing Partner Gregg Eisenberg. “As the criteria for achieving Mansfield Certification have grown more challenging and ambitious over the years, our firm has continuously risen to meet these standards, showcasing our unwavering commitment to an inclusive culture. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the exceptional efforts and leadership of our DEI Co-Chairs and Committee. Their hard work and substantial progress have been crucial in helping us maintain this certification year after year.”

Among the steps necessary to achieve certification, the Mansfield Certification process requires law firms to consider at least 30% historically underrepresented lawyers—including women lawyers, underrepresented racial and ethnic lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers and lawyers with disabilities—for leadership roles. In addition, Benesch and other participating firms have demonstrated a commitment to enhance transparency related to leadership roles, advancement processes and compensation policies.

In addition to diversifying its leadership pipeline, Benesch has continued to uphold its commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion across the firm. Since January 2021, 53% of the firm’s lateral hires have been women and/or diverse attorneys, and 60% of Benesch’s current partners-in-charge are from underrepresented groups. Additionally, 77% of the firm’s most recent class of first-year associates and 69% of our 2024 summer associates are from underrepresented groups.