Morrison & Foerster's Chief D&I Officer Natalie Kernisant recently sat down with Hughes-Castell to discuss how firms embracing diversity translates to success in many areas—from client service to overall retention rates. In the article, Natalie shares her views and experiences around the challenges, opportunities, and progress that law firms are constantly navigating as they are now, more than ever, continuing to make diversity and inclusion best practices a priority.
Natalie was elevated to the newly created C-level leadership role in December 2020 in order to provide strategic leadership and advance recruiting and retention of diverse talent, as well as to support client development in the area of diversity and inclusion.
Under her leadership, in both this role and her previous role as Global Diversity and Inclusion Director, the firm has earned Mansfield Certification Plus status for three consecutive years, acknowledging that the firm has affirmatively considered at least 30 percent women, attorneys of color, LGBTQ+ and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities and senior lateral positions. Earlier this year, Natalie was named on the Crain's New York Business list of Notable Black Leaders & Executives 2021, recognizing her commitment to inclusivity and equity.
Read the full interview.
Originally published by Hughes-Castell Blog