A Firm of Inclusion
At Fried Frank, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are not just words; they are the cornerstone of our culture and values. Our DEIB department collaborates closely with the DEIB Council, led by our chairman Ken Rosh, to ensure that Fried Frank is a place where every individual, regardless of background or identity, has equal access to opportunities and can reach their full potential.
Our Comprehensive DEIB Strategy
Our multiyear DEIB strategy focuses on several key areas:
1) Partner and business services leader engagement: We believe that true inclusivity starts at the top. Our leaders actively champion diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
2) Inclusion skills: We are committed to equipping our employees with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster a culture of inclusion in their everyday interactions.
3) Embedding DEIB into policies and processes: DEIB is not just a standalone initiative; it's woven into the fabric of our firm. We integrate DEIB principles into our policies, processes and everyday behaviors to ensure that inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
4) Elevating Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Our ERGs serve as catalysts for change and community builders within the firm. These groups play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging, offering mentorship opportunities and advocating for their members.
Our ERGs in Action
Women’s Forum: The Women's Forum is dedicated to fostering and developing the talents and abilities of women across the firm. Through article discussions, presentations and mentorship opportunities, we empower women to achieve their full potential both professionally and personally.
EDGE (Ethnically Diverse Group of Employees): EDGE provides a forum for lawyers and business services professionals from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds to address challenges, share experiences and advocate for cultural diversity within the legal profession.
Pride Alliance: Our LGBTQ+ ERG, Pride Alliance, is a community dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, advocating for inclusive policies and providing pro bono legal support to LGBTQ+ communities.
Working Families: Balancing work and personal responsibilities can be challenging. The Working Families ERG provides support, resources and professional development opportunities for parents and caregivers, ensuring that everyone can thrive at Fried Frank.
Disability Inclusion Alliance: Our Disability Inclusion Alliance is committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion within Fried Frank by advocating for individuals with disabilities, improving accessibility and offering equal career development opportunities for all.
Celebrating Women's Leadership
As part of our commitment to gender diversity and leadership development, we invite you to watch our video celebrating International Women's Day. In this video, several of Fried Frank's exceptional women leaders shed light on their proudest accomplishments, offer their advice to fellow female professionals in the legal industry and highlight key sources of inspiration that have shaped their impressive leadership journeys.
Pro Bono: Using Our Skills for Good
At Fried Frank, we are deeply committed to leveraging our legal expertise to advance social justice and serve the legal needs of underserved communities. For decades, we have partnered with esteemed legal services providers, including the Legal Aid Society of New York City and Tzedek DC, dedicating our resources, knowledge and time to making a positive impact.
Our pro bono projects span an array of practice areas and populations, reflecting our firmwide dedication to furthering access to justice. From advocating for reproductive and LGBTQIA+ rights to providing indigent criminal defense, immigration assistance, tax support, housing advocacy and small business services, we address a wide range of pressing legal needs within our communities.
We are proud to collaborate with organizations like CUNY Citizenship Now! to host monthly clinics, assisting low-income immigrants in NYC with naturalization applications. Lawyers in our DC office also participate in similar clinics for Hogar Hispano and the DC Bar Pro Bono Program. Additionally, we support initiatives like Start Small Think Big and Lawyers Alliance for NY, providing crucial legal services to small businesses and nonprofits.
Our pro bono program is deeply rooted in the vision of our founding partners, whose historic efforts include significant contributions to the civil rights movement and establishing institutions such as the Peace Corps and the Shriver Center on Poverty Law.
Through our unwavering commitment to pro bono work, Fried Frank continues to uphold our legacy of service and advocacy, making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities in need.
Hear from Our Lawyers: Pro Bono Week Video
Watch the below video to hear lawyers from our offices in New York and Washington, DC, share what inspires them, how pro bono work enriches their careers and the touching experiences that have made a lasting impression.