Buchanan to Pilot Mansfield Rule to Boost Diversity
Firm also one of 44 to receive Gold Standard Certification from Women in Law Empowerment Forum

PITTSBURGH – June 15, 2017 – Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney is proud to announce participation in the Mansfield Rule pilot program in partnership with Diversity Lab and 29 other leading firms. The program will measure law firms’ efforts to affirmatively consider women and attorneys of color for leadership roles, equity partner promotions and lateral positions. The Mansfield Rule, which is inspired by the NFL’s Rooney Rule, has a direct connection to the Rooney Rule through its name partner Art Rooney II, President of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"My father would be proud to know that we are working together as a community to transition the Rooney Rule into the legal profession. He was a true believer in diversity and collaboration, so this is the perfect way to honor his legacy," Art Rooney II said. "I am thrilled to support and take part in such a large and meaningful effort – with so many prestigious law firms – to diversify the legal profession at the highest levels."

Buchanan also recently achieved Gold Standard Certification from the Women in Law Empowerment Forum and is one of only 44 firms to meet criteria regarding the number of women among equity partners, in firm leadership positions and in the ranks of their most highly compensated partners. Buchanan achieved the certification by meeting the following criteria:

• More than 20% of our equity partners and one-third of our attorneys who became equity partners within the previous 12 months are women
• More than 15% of the heads of the firm and office heads combined are women
• More than 20% of the members of the firm’s primary governance committee are women
• More than 20%  of the members of the committee that determines equity partner compensation are women
• More than 25%  of our practice group leaders/section chairs are women