Covington Achieves “Mansfield Rule Certification 4.0 Plus” for Diversity

Covington Achieves “Mansfield Rule Certification 4.0 Plus” for Diversity

September 13, 2021

WASHINGTON—Covington has achieved “Mansfield Rule Certification 4.0 Plus,” which reflects the firm's commitment to actively diversifying the legal profession. Covington has successfully achieved Mansfield Rule Certification Plus for all of the four years of the program since its inception by The Diversity Lab, an incubator for ideas and solutions that boost diversity and inclusion in law.

“We value and promote diversity and inclusion in every aspect and at every level of our firm,” said Doug Gibson, Covington’s chair. “We are proud to have committed to the inaugural Mansfield Rule and to have made meaningful progress over the past several years. We are guided by our D&I Strategic Action Plan and proud to work alongside our clients to improve diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and beyond.”

"Mansfield Rule Certification 4.0" measures whether law firms have affirmatively considered at least 30 percent women, lawyers of color, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities, and senior lateral positions.

Covington belongs to a subset of firms achieving "Mansfield Certified Plus" designation. This category recognizes that, in addition to meeting or exceeding the consideration requirements for certification, women, lawyers of color, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities represent at least 30 percent of a significant number of firm leadership roles, committee positions, equity partner promotions, and formal client pitch opportunities.

Covington views the differences among its lawyers and staff as an asset and a source of strength. The firm has long been focused on increasing the diversity of its lawyers and staff as well as fostering a workplace that promotes inclusion and belonging.