Gibbons Makes Extraordinary Gain in Diversity Ranking By Minority Law Journal
May 14, 2009Minority Law Journal has ranked Gibbons P.C. #33 in its 2009 “Diversity Scorecard,” a nationwide evaluation. Last year, Gibbons ranked #142, meaning that the firm ascended more than 100 spots on the chart in one year, reflecting Minority Law Journal’s new focus on the importance of increased racial diversity among a firm’s partnership along with its overall percentage of minority attorneys. Gibbons is the only New Jersey-headquartered firm in the Top 100, and it is the highest-ranking law firm in its region dedicated to the needs of middle market clients.
“We are very pleased that Minority Law Journal recognizes that beyond sheer attorney numbers, the development and advancement of minority attorneys are critical components of a law firm’s commitment to diversity,” says Patrick C. Dunican, Jr., Chairman and Managing Director of Gibbons P.C. “A real highlight of the Gibbons Diversity Initiative has been its focus on training, mentoring, retention, and progression, which is accomplished through innovative programs that have helped all our attorneys, including those of diverse backgrounds, leverage those distinct opportunities most suitable to their own advancement. Many of these achievements have been made possible through the hiring of our Chief Diversity Officer, Luis J. Diaz.”
Says Mr. Diaz, “Gibbons is genuinely committed to providing an inclusive environment that nurtures and encourages attorneys from all backgrounds to chart unique, individual career paths. In pure business terms, our diversity is a qualitative differentiator that contributes greatly to our providing excellent and innovative solutions to help clients achieve business success.”
About the Gibbons Diversity Initiative
The Gibbons Diversity Initiative (GDI) is a comprehensive strategy that puts into action our longstanding commitment to diversity and involves all aspects of the firm’s operation. Based on the success of GDI and our related Women’s Initiative, Gibbons received the 2009 Catalyst Award, the preeminent corporate honor recognizing excellence in the advancement of women in the workplace. GDI’s internal component focuses on training, mentoring, retention, and programming to optimize workplace and workforce diversity. The firm’s external outreach supports numerous minority legal and business organizations, providing opportunities to meaningfully connect with the diverse communities we serve. GDI’s supplier diversity program, GDI-123, is a first for the legal industry; the program engages clients and provides women- and minority-owned businesses and law firms procurement and other strategic business opportunities. Through GDI, Gibbons strives to make a significant, lasting impact on diversity in business and the legal profession in a way that enhances client service and business success.
