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Jeh Johnson and Loretta Lynch Speak With New York Law Journal About Firm’s Commitment to Diversity
August 29, 2024
Litigation partners Jeh Johnson and Loretta Lynch were interviewed by the New York Law Journal about the firm’s efforts to legally preserve and advance diversity in the profession, as part of the publication’s shortlisting of the firm for an outstanding diversity initiative. In addition to spearheading the New York State Bar Association’s Task Force on Advancing Diversity, the publication noted the launch of the firm’s DEI Strategic Advisory Group.
Loretta notes the far-reaching implications for corporations and law firms of the Supreme Court’s decision in June 2023 finding Harvard and UNC’s affirmative action programs unlawful. “It was absolutely essential for us to act quickly to protect existing DEI programs and offer guidance on how we can all move forward in a way that complies with this new development,” Loretta says.
Secretary Johnson reflected on the firm’s long history of commitment to civil rights and recent work building on a culture of inclusion. “I was drawn to Paul, Weiss in large part due to its unwavering dedication to diversity throughout its history,” he says. “The firm’s deep culture of inclusivity—in addition to its excellence in the legal field—is something that has been consistently carried forward,” he notes, both in the firm’s internal recruitment, training and mentorship initiatives, and in client-facing work.
“My colleagues inspire me in this regard, and in many others, every day,” he says.