Buchanan Joins Diversity Lab in Taking Action to Increase Disability Inclusion
PITTSBURGH (December 11, 2023) – Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney has announced that it is partnering with Diversity Lab to continue building a culture of inclusion by implementing one or more actions listed in the organization’s new Disability Inclusion Commitments.
The ten actionable steps were developed by Diversity Lab in partnership with its Disability Inclusion Advisory Group as a way to ensure that disability inclusion is embedded into diversity strategies across the legal profession. This initiative aims to counteract the finding that while 21% of individuals in the United States workforce identify as having a disability, only 1.4% of lawyers in law firms do.
“We strive to foster a workplace where individuals across all backgrounds and life experiences feel welcomed and supported each day,” said Lloyd Freeman, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer. “By partnering with Diversity Lab and many other law firms on the Disability Inclusion Commitments, we hope to continue building a firm and profession that is inclusive to all individuals irrespective of how they identify,” he added.
In addition to Buchanan’s current actions in place, through its partnership with Diversity Lab, the firm has committed to focusing on the following actions in 2024:
- Establishing a disability employee resource group
- Creating opportunities for everyone in the firm to discuss their ideas and perspectives on inclusive actions and language related to disabilities
- Starting a disability mentorship program
- Creating a centralized disability accommodations program
More than 90 law firms across the United States, United Kingdom and Canada have joined together in partnering with Diversity Lab for this initiative, embracing the mission of increasing inclusion and equitable access for individuals with disabilities across the legal profession.
To learn more about disability inclusion and advocacy, listen to the Dimensions of Diversity episode featuring Courtney Munnings, Mansfield Rule and Knowledge Sharing Manager and Disability Inclusion Advisory Group member at Diversity Lab.