Press Releases

 

Conference to Showcase Innovative Best Practices, Latest Corporate Trends, Cutting-edge Research on Diversity & Flexibility

Washington, DC – March 2, 2018 – The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance has announced that registration is open for its highly anticipated 2018 Annual Conference, Diversity + Flexibility = Embracing Change, to be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at the Washington, DC Offices of Jones Day. This interactive, one-day event delivers the latest trends, cutting-edge research and best practices in diversity and flexibility and attracts professionals from all industries. Registration and more information are available here.

The conference is widely known as one of the DC area’s largest gatherings of prominent leaders from around the world committed to strategically addressing the critical issues of Diversity and Flexibility.  Leaders, General Counsel and Chairs from financial giants like Deloitte and KPMG, tech industry icons like Dell, Intel and EverFi, as well as Politico, TV One and Lockheed Martin and countless prominent law firms will share personal experiences and valuable insights into the evolution of their organizations’ diversity and flexibility initiatives.

“Our conference provides a unique opportunity to hear expert insights and first-hand perspectives from top-level executives and those blazing the trail in the advancement of diversity and flexibility,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “In just one day, attendees acquire concrete strategies and critical information that enables them to implement real change in their organizations,” she added.

The Alliance will also present the following awards to individuals, leaders, and organizations that are leading the way in successfully implementing flexible work:

– The 2018 Flex Impact Award, which recognizes initiatives that are poised to have a significant impact on the culture of flexibility, will be presented to: Dell for its highly-successful flexible work initiative; law firm Fried Frank for its full-pay, on-ramping (return from leave) policy; and, law firm White & Case for its gender-neutral leave policy which is extended to both attorneys and staff. (Access detailed press release here.)

– The 2018 Flex Leader Award will be presented to Kim Koopersmith, chairperson of Akin Gump, for her unwavering support of and commitment to providing holistic flexible work options for all. (Access detailed press release here.)

– The 2018 Flex Success Award, acknowledges law firm partners who achieve success while working a reduced hours schedule and their clients who have been integral to making their flexibility a success. This year’s honorees will be Lori Mihalich-Levin, Partner, Dentons, and her client Dr. Cindy Kelley, Vice President, Medical Education, Summa Health. (Access detailed press release here.)

This year’s featured speaker, Vipula Gandhi, of Gallup Inc., will present eye-opening data and analysis on the State of the American Workplace including perspective on employee engagement, organizational culture, and performance management. Other highlights will include: the release of the results of the Alliance’s Annual Law Firm Flexibility Benchmarking Study; a case study presentation describing the development, implementation and management of KPMG’s highly successful women’s initiative; panel discussions emphasizing the role that clients play in encouraging diversity; and, presentations on leading best practices on flexibility and leave policies.

The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

For more information contact:

Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

 

Groundbreaking Flexibility Initiatives To Be Recognized for Their Impact on Industries

Awards to be Presented at Conference on March 21

Washington, DC – March 2, 2018 – The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance announced today that its 2018 Flex Impact Awards will be presented to tech industry giant Dell, and international law firms, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP and White & Case LLP. The awards, which recognize initiatives that are poised to have a significant impact on the culture of workplace flexibility, will be presented at the Alliance’s annual conference Diversity + Flexibility = Embracing Change on March 21, 2018 in Washington, DC. Registration information is available here.

“Dell, Fried Frank and White & Case stood out to us this year because of their willingness to take risks, invest in their employees and lead their industries by embracing more progressive approaches to flexible work and leave policies,” stated Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “Each of these organizations took their commitment to flexibility to new heights by expanding their initiatives to better meet the needs of a new generation of employees, while also positively impacting inclusion, recruitment and retention of top talent,” she explained.

Dell will be honored for its worldwide flexible work initiative, Connected Workplace, that encourages all eligible employees to choose where and when they work. Dell’s Executive Leadership team has led the initiative by working remotely themselves and emphasizing flexibility as a key component of the company’s culture and integral part of its business strategy. The company provides employees with the technology needed for team collaboration, flexibility training and an employee resource group, called Conexus, that helps remote team members connect to share best practices, network and develop camaraderie. Through Connected Workplace, Dell has been able to increase employee engagement and retention, conserve natural resources and energy, cut back on real estate expenses and reduce transportation pollution.

“Embracing and promoting a work flexibility culture just makes sense,” said Mohammed Chahdi, director of Global Human Resources at Dell, who leads Dell’s flexible work program (Connected Workplace). “At its core, this kind of culture is about enabling team members with the right environment and tools to collaborate and deliver their best work, regardless of where, when and how that work occurs.”

Fried Frank will be honored for its full-pay, “on-ramping” policy, which allows employees returning from parental leave to gradually return to full-time over a six-month period. Caregivers are thereby allowed to slowly ease their way back into work after leave by working a 75 percent schedule while receiving full compensation. By committing to a relatively small financial investment in its employees who are new parents, Fried Frank has been able to retain employees who might otherwise have been overwhelmed with the stress of full-time work and parenthood.

“The happiness and success of our attorneys is a top priority at Fried Frank and we recognize that parenthood is a big change,” said David Greenwald, Chairman of Fried Frank. “Our policy aims to alleviate the challenges faced by new parents as they transition back to work, striking the balance between professional success and personal fulfillment. For us, this was a common sense policy change consistent with our commitment to inclusion and retention. We are honored to receive this recognition by the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance,” he added.

White & Case will be honored for its new gender-neutral parental leave policy that eliminates the primary and secondary caregiver designation and is also offered to both attorneys and staff. The firm’s policy allows all parents to take 12 weeks of leave any time within 12 months following the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child. By extending the same benefits to attorneys and staff members, no matter the level or position, White & Case has been able to foster a more inclusive environment and demonstrate its commitment to supporting all of its employees.

“We try to foster an environment of inclusion and support at the firm, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to spend significant time with their new child is one way that we can do that,” said David Koschik, member of the firm’s Executive Committee. “Everyone at the firm works very hard and deserves time with their families and loved ones. While it’s a departure from how many professional services firms do business, we are committed to the idea that every person at every level at White & Case be able to participate in a program like this one.”

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

For more information contact:

Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance to Recognize Akin Gump Chair Kim Koopersmith For Outstanding Leadership in Advancing Flexibility

Award to be presented at Conference on March 21

Washington, DC – March 2, 2018 – The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance today announced that Kim Koopersmith, chairperson of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, will receive its 2018 Flex Leader Award. The Flex Leader Award recognizes an executive who is moving his or her organization toward a more inclusive workplace through holistic flexibility. The Award will be presented on March 21, 2018 at the Alliance’s annual conference, Diversity + Flexibility = Embracing Change, in Washington, DC. Registration is available here.

Ms. Koopersmith is being recognized for her unwavering commitment to the advancement of women, attorneys of color and flexible work options for all. She has been instrumental in the success of Akin Gump’s Reduced Work Schedule and Agile Work Policies, which have consistently adapted to the needs of the firm’s employees and changes in technology, family dynamics, practice models and cultural norms.

“Kim is the perfect example of a leader who is committed to ensuring that flexible work options are available to everyone,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “She understands the value of flexibility to individuals, as well as to the firm in its recruitment and retention of top diverse talent. She is dedicated to providing outstanding client service while offering forward-thinking policies to employees worldwide,” she added.

“I want to make sure I use my voice and experience as a lawyer, working mother and firm leader to address and advocate for diversity and flexibility,” said Ms. Koopersmith. “I truly believe that our success originates from our talent, and one of the best ways we can support our employees is to provide the flexibility that they require,” she notes. “Equally as important, flexibility allows us to be in sync with our clients who also value diversity and flexibility,” she emphasized.

In her role as chairperson of Akin Gump, Ms. Koopersmith heads the firm’s management committee and has been instrumental in the firm’s continued commitment to diversity, pro bono work and attorney excellence. She is involved in numerous community, civic and charitable activities, including serving on the board of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the Pro Bono Institute Law Firm Committee and Her Justice, an organization dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence.

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

For more information contact:

Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

Dentons Partner and Client Honored for Success While Working Flexible Schedule

Alliance to Present 2018 Flex Success® Award at Annual Conference March 21

Washington, DC – March 2, 2018 – Today the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance announced that its 2018 Flex Success® Award Honorees will be Lori Mihalich-Levin, Partner at Dentons in Washington, DC, and her client Dr. Cindy Kelley, Vice President of Medical Education at Summa Health. The award recognizes partners at Diversity & Flexibility Alliance member law firms who have achieved success while working a reduced hours schedule as well as a client who has been integral to making workplace flexibility so successful. The Award will be presented on March 21, 2018 at the Alliance’s annual conference, Diversity + Flexibility = Embracing Change, in Washington, DC. Registration is available here.

“Not only has Lori managed to reach high levels of career success while working a reduced hours schedule, but she is also truly passionate about helping to grow the pipeline of women leaders and supporting other working parents,” said Manar Morales, President and CEO of the Alliance. “With the support of her colleagues at Dentons and her clients, including Summa Health, Lori has grown her personal business and cared for her children while providing top-notch client service,” she added.

Lori Mihalich-Levin

Ms. Mihalich-Levin has worked a 60% reduced hours schedule while representing hospitals, academic medical centers, medical schools and health systems as a Partner in Dentons Healthcare Practice since August 2015. In just two years, she was able to bring in 20 new clients to the firm and build a premier practice around legal issues related to graduate medical education. Her reduced hours schedule has allowed her to care for her two small children, while also building Mindful Return, LLC, a personal business that assists new parents in their transition back to work from parental leave, and writing a book Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return from Maternity Leave. She is also the Chair of the firm’s Flexibility and Parental Leave Task Force, part of its Women LEAD initiative, where she champions the success of diverse attorneys and has been instrumental in updating the firm’s parental leave policies.

“Ultimately the key to a successful flexible work arrangement is to be flexible and transparent,” explained Ms. Mihalich-Levin. “I am so thankful for the trust, support and encouragement that Cindy has offered me as well as her willingness to accommodate my schedule,” she added referring to her client, Dr. Cindy Kelley, Vice President of Medical Education, Summa Health.

Dr. Cindy Kelley

“Lori and her Dentons team were critical to our success in overcoming significant challenges at our organization last year. I am so thankful for people like Lori who have a passion for finding that balance in life that allows them to pursue their careers while raising a family,“ stated Dr. Cindy Kelley. “Summa Health certainly benefited from this passion, as do all organizations that support workplace diversity and flexibility.”

“Dentons is committed to supporting our lawyers and professionals who work on a reduced hours or flexible schedule and applaud the effort of forward-thinking lawyers like Lori Mihalich-Levin,” said Mike McNamara, CEO of Dentons. “We also applaud our client Summa Health for embracing Lori’s flexible work arrangement. We firmly believe that flexibility results in positive changes that benefit the firm, the client, and our lawyers’ careers.”

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures for all and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

For more information contact:

Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Report Finds Slight Increase in Women Among Law Partner Classes

 

Increased Focus on Recruiting, Training,

Supporting and Advancing Women Is Critical

 

 Washington, DC – November 9, 2017 — The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance announced today that the percentage of women promoted to partnership in 2017 in the U.S. Offices of many of the nation’s largest and top-grossing law firms has reached a six-year high of 38.1 percent. The Alliance’s sixth-annual New Partner Report reveals that this year there was an increase of five percentage points since 2012 and one percentage point since 2016. This year also marks the largest share of firms (33.1%) with new partner classes consisting of at least 50 percent women.

The report emphasizes, however, that this increase is minor and law firms must take steps now to develop more young women attorneys and monitor the pipeline to make sure that women have access to the same training and opportunities to advance their careers as men.

“While we are optimistic that these results show that the industry is moving in the right direction when it comes to gender parity, the increase is too slow and firms must prepare for the future now if they want to remain competitive,” said Manar Morales, President and CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “It’s time that firms evolve with the times, understand the advantages of gender parity at the partner level, and take the steps necessary to retain and promote top female talent,” she added.

The Alliance recommends that law firms focus on:

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Survey Finds Positive Trends in Law Firm Flexibility, However Bias Continues to Impede Usage

WASHINGTON, DC, March 22, 2017 — While the availability of flexible work arrangements has increased in law firms, new research released by the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance (“the Alliance”) suggests that not all lawyers and staff are using the policies. The third annual Law Firm Flexibility Benchmarking Survey, released today, examines the availability and usage of flexible work policies in large U.S. law firms.

The survey found that while 26 of 28 participating firms (93 percent) have a formal written flexible work policy, the attorney usage rates remain at or below 8.8 percent for reduced hours, flexible start and end times, telecommuting, annualized hours, and job sharing. Detailed information is available in the report’s Executive Summary.

“While we are optimistic about the growing number of major U.S. law firms that have a formal flexible work policy, the usage rates are a better indicator of a culture that truly supports flex,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “For a flexibility policy to be successful it must be de-gendered, de-parented, de-stigmatized, and integrated into the cultural norms of an organization. Otherwise many employees, diverse individuals in particular, often face bias and stigma related to working flexibly,” she added. “Our vision for the future is an industry where all professionals are comfortable working flexibly and are confident that they are not impeding their career by doing so.”

Some other highlights from the report include:

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Law Firm Partners Recognized For Remarkable Success While Working Flexible Schedules

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance to Present 2017 Flex Success™ Awards at Annual Conference

WASHINGTON, DC, February 27, 2017 — The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance announced its 2017 Flex Success™ Award Honorees: Felicia Gerber Perlman, Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and her client Charles Baker, Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Ball Corporation; and Phyllis Wan, Partner at Hogan Lovells US LLP and her client Carol McDaniel, Vice President of Administration and Operations at AXS TV LLC & HDNet Movies LLC.

The Flex Success™ Award recognizes partners at Diversity & Flexibility Alliance (the “Alliance”) member organizations who have achieved a high level of success while working a reduced hours schedule as well as a client who has been integral to making workplace flexibility so successful. The Awards will be presented on March 16, 2017 at the Alliance’s annual conference, Diversity + Flexibility = An Evolving Culture, in Washington, DC. Registration is available here.

“With support from their clients and firms, these two extraordinary attorneys are excelling in their careers, contributing to the success of their colleagues, and giving back to their communities, all while making time for their families and personal pursuits,” said Manar Morales, President and CEO of the Alliance. “It’s so important to celebrate these success stories and applaud the partners and clients who are successfully leading the cultural transformation of the industry.”

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Diversity & Flexibility Alliance To Recognize Booz Allen Hamilton Executive As Flex Leader

Award to be Presented at Annual Conference

WASHINGTON, DC, February 27, 2017 — The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance (the “Alliance”) today announced that Nancy Laben, Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary and Executive Vice President of Booz Allen Hamilton will receive its 2017 Flex Leader Award. The Flex Leader Award recognizes an executive who is moving his or her organization toward a more inclusive workplace through holistic flexibility. The Award will be presented on March 16, 2017 at the Alliance’s annual conference, Diversity + Flexibility = An Evolving Culture, in Washington, DC. Registration is available here.

“We are proud to honor Nancy Laben as our 2017 Flex Leader for her tireless efforts to create a culture that truly supports flexible work at Booz Allen Hamilton,” said Manar Morales, President and CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “Nancy clearly leads by example as she works remotely, finds time for family, and has relocated to an office closer to her home to reduce commute time. More importantly, she offers her team the same opportunities to find balance in their schedules.”

Ms. Laben has been a strong supporter of a Booz Allen Hamilton program created to provide employees with greater flexibility in where, when, and how they work. The program was initiated about six years ago in response to the high level of traffic congestion in the Washington, DC area, combined with the desire to recruit and retain the best talent. Workspaces were redesigned to be a more collaborative space and employees are encouraged to limit their commute time and work from an office close to their homes when their client work allows. Flexible work schedules are encouraged, and it is a cultural norm in which flexible schedules are supported and not a detriment to employees’ careers.

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KPMG Global Chairman to Deliver Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Keynote

Conference To Highlight the Evolving Culture of Flexibility & Diversity

WASHINGTON, DC, February 27, 2017 — The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance has announced that KPMG Global Chairman John Veihmeyer will deliver the keynote address at its annual conference, Diversity + Flexibility = An Evolving Culture, in Washington, DC on March 16, 2017. The one-day conference will also feature executives from Verizon, Booz Allen Hamilton, Walmart, Morgan Stanley, and several prominent law firms who will share their best practices for embracing diversity and flexibility and the value they bring to their organizations. Human Resources executives, Diversity & Inclusion professionals, management, and anyone interested in learning more about the benefits of diversity and flexibility are invited to attend. More information and registration details can be found here.

“Our annual conference brings together professionals from the legal, corporate, financial, and consulting industries who share advice on flexibility and diversity initiatives,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “We are proud to welcome John Veihmeyer and other leaders who are trendsetters in diversity and flexibility and are integral to this evolution of cultural change in the workplace.”

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Diversity & Flexibility Alliance To Present Inaugural Flex Impact Awards

Hogan Lovells, Winston & Strawn Recognized for Impactful Flexibility Innovations

WASHINGTON, DC, February 27, 2017 — The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance (the “Alliance”) has announced it will present its inaugural Flex Impact Awards to law firms, Hogan Lovells US LLP, for its Agile Working Initiative, and Winston & Strawn LLP, for its new gender-neutral Parental Leave Policy.

The Flex Impact Award recognizes policies or initiatives that are poised to have a significant impact on the culture of flexibility in an organization or industry through positive change in the workplace, the success of the business, and/or the recruitment and retention of talent. The Awards will be received by Eve Howard, Regional Managing Partner for Hogan Lovells’ Washington, D.C. Region, and Linda Coberly, Managing Partner of Winston & Strawn’s Chicago office, at the Alliance’s annual conference, Diversity + Flexibility = An Evolving Culture, on March 16 in Washington, DC. Both award recipients will sit on the panel, “Cultural Innovations with Impact” and describe their firms’ initiatives, including the research, implementation, challenges and outcomes. Registration for the conference is available here.

“These initiatives not only benefit the firms where they are implemented, but they will truly impact the entire industry,” said Manar Morales, President and CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “These firms are pioneering new approaches to flexibility, and in so doing, enhancing the well-being of their employees, improving the recruitment and retention of talent, and boosting their business success.”

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