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Leaders in Diversity

Lawyers of diverse backgrounds have succeeded and prospered at Covington for decades. We were leaders among larger law firms in electing our first woman partner (in 1974), first African American partner (1975), first Hispanic partner (1985), first openly gay partner (1989), and first Asian American partner (1995). We have continued this tradition through the years, recruiting and promoting lawyers of all backgrounds. We are committed to cultivating a diverse partnership from within our own ranks.

Our firm governance also reflects our commitment to diversity. Women and racial/ethnic minority (R/EM) partners have served on our Management Committee, which is elected by the full partnership and is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the firm. In addition, our women, R/EM, and openly LGBTQ+ lawyers:

  • Play senior leadership roles in 25 individual practice and industry groups within the firm.
  • Play senior roles on firm committees, including our Associate Advisory, Diversity, Evaluation, Hiring, and Legal Personnel, and Management Committees. 

While we are proud of the steps we already have taken, we understand that the job of promoting diversity is never complete. We strive not just to keep pace with our peers, but rather to lead by example and continue raising the bar for our entire profession. As such, we are constantly examining our progress, improving our efforts, and searching for new and challenging ways to create a more diverse work environment.

Recent Firm Accolades

  • Law.com International UK A-List (2022-2024)—This list recognizes law firms based on factors including revenue per lawyer, pro bono commitment, associate satisfaction, racial diversity, and gender diversity (the percentage of equity partners who are women). Covington ranked 1st among the 20 firms listed in 2024.
  • The American Lawyer A-List (2003-2006; 2008-2012; 2014; 2016-2024)—This list recognizes law firms based on factors including financial performance, pro bono commitment, associate satisfaction, and representation of women and racial/ethnic minority lawyers.  
  • Seramount's Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity (2022-2024)—This list recognizes law firms that utilize best practices in recruiting, retaining, promoting, and developing women lawyers and lawyers from underrepresented groups. Covington has ranked among Seramount's top 50 firms for the past three years.
  • Law360 Pulse Social Impact Leaders (2024)—This ranking measures firms' efforts across five pillars: racial and ethnic diversity, gender equality, employee engagement, pro bono service and responsible business practices. Covington ranked 1st among the 100 largest law firms.
  • Law360 Pulse 2024 Diversity Snapshot—Covington ranked 19th among firms with 600+ lawyers based on representation of attorneys who identify as racial/ethnic minorities.
  • The Diversity Lab "Mansfield Rule Certification Plus" (2018-2024)—Built on a framework that is evidence-based and data-driven, the Mansfield certification process is designed to ensure all talent at participating law firms and legal departments has a fair and equal opportunity to advance into leadership. To achieve Mansfield Certification Plus status, women, racial/ethnic minority lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities must represent at least 30 percent of firm leadership roles, committee positions, equity partner promotions, and formal client pitch opportunities. Covington has achieved “Mansfield Certification Plus” for eight consecutive years.
  • Microsoft (2024)—Recognized Covington for exceptional performance in its Law Firm Diversity Program at the organization’s annual Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) Summit.
  • The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index "Equality 100 Award"(2009-2023)—Ranked 100% on this national benchmarking survey and report that measures corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This is the 15th consecutive year Covington has received this recognition.
  • The State Bar of California (2023)—Selected Covington as a Gold Seal recipient in the inaugural group of the DEI Leadership Seal Program, recognizing legal employers who have taken steps to advance DEI in their organizations.
  • Microsoft (2022)—Named Covington a Top Performer in its UK Law Firm Diversity Program, recognizing our efforts to advance diversity and inclusion within the firm.
  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Top Performer (2020-2022)—This award recognizes organizations in the top 20 percent for participation in LCLD programs and activities.
  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Compass Award (2021-2022)—This award recognizes individuals and organizations that fulfill certain requirements in a calendar year, including attendance at the LCLD Annual Membership Meeting, attendance at a Leadership Summit, or submission of a Leader’s Pledge, plus participation in various LCLD programs (e.g., Fellows, Pathfinders, and Pipeline).
  • Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Silicon Valley (APABA - SV) Hope Award for Diversity (2022)—This award honors a large firm whose organizational culture drives diversity and inclusiveness on a national scale. From this firm, we draw hope for progress at all levels of practice.
  • Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America Outstanding Veterans Program (2022)—This award celebrates efforts to remove barriers for, and increase representation of, military personnel in the workplace.
  • Bloomberg Law Annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Framework (2021-2022)—Covington was named to Bloomberg's second annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Framework for the second year in a row. The firm was recognized for its level of disclosure of diversity-related metrics and distinguished performance against six core pillars: demographics, leadership and talent pipeline, recruitment and retention, business innovation and strategy, marketing, and diversity & inclusion in the community.
  • Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF)—Gold Standard Certification Award (2011-2014, 2019, 2021-2023)—Covington earned Gold Standard Certification in the U.S. and UK based on our actions to integrate women into equity partnership and top firm leadership positions.
  • Law360 Diversity Snapshot: Diverse Equity Partnerships (2021)—This ranking includes the top 40 firms outpacing their peers in increasing minority representation in their top ranks. This year, Covington ranked fourth with 14.9% of its partnership representing lawyers of color.
  • Law360 Diversity Snapshot: Women Equity Partners (2021)—This ranking includes the top 10 firms in each law firm size category that are setting the pace and working to close the gender gap at the top for women equity partners. This year, Covington ranked sixth with 28.6% of its partnership representing women.
  • The John M. Langston Bar Association of Los Angeles "Law Firm Diversity of the Year" (2019)—The firm received the award for its continued commitment to diversity.
  • Law360 (2018)—Ranked sixth among “The Best Law Firms for Minority Attorneys” and ranked seventh among “The Best Law Firms for Minority Partners” for firms with more than 600 lawyers.
  • Euromoney Legal Media Group—“Americas Women in Business Law Awards” (2015)—The awards honor firms that set the standard for female-friendly work practices.  We have been recognized in the following categories: “Best Firm in the U.S. West Region" (2012-2015), Best International Law Firm Latin America Practice (2014-2015), and Best Firm in the U.S. Northeast Region.
  • Law360 (2015)—Ranked Covington eighth on its list of “Top 25 Best Law Firms For Black Attorneys."

Recent Individual Accolades

Firm Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Partnerships

Covington has long been focused on increasing diversity within the legal profession and partners with organizations who are equally committed to advancing the profession and making meaningful change.

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Recent Firm Diversity Statistics

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion