Diversity

As a law firm that thrives on change while serving a progressive clientele, we are well aware of the value that diverse viewpoints, diverse experiences, and diverse backgrounds bring to an organization. And while many businesses seek to put diversity on the agenda, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati considers it a vital thread that runs through the fabric of our firm, lending a vibrancy to our workforce that benefits employees and clients alike.

The firm's leadership actively promotes diversity as a core value and top priority. We aim to attract, mentor, and retain the best legal talent from all backgrounds, and foster a culture in which all employees are empowered to achieve their maximum potential. Our internal and external programs and policies, as well as our continually growing minority numbers, reflect this commitment. Currently, nearly a third of our partners and half of our associates are women or belong to a racial, ethnic, or gender minority group.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati frequently has been recognized for its commitment to diversity. In 2010, for the second consecutive year, the firm ranked No. 1 overall in Minority Law Journal's Diversity Scorecard, reflecting our high percentages of minority attorneys and partners. In fact, according to the publication, "first-place finisher Wilson Sonsini boasts a minority partner percentage nearly triple the survey average." In addition to achieving the overall top ranking, we ranked No. 1 by percentage of minority partners (19 percent), and No. 2 by percentage of minority attorneys (25.8 percent) among the nation's 250 largest and highest-grossing law firms. Also, in 2009 California Lawyer ranked us No. 1 for percentage of minority equity partners in the state, with 21.3 percent partners of color. In 2008, the firm's diversity accomplishments were featured in a Minority Law Journal cover story.

Additionally, the firm has been recognized for its local-level diversity efforts. Over the past five years, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has ranked among the top firms in California for highest percentage of minority attorneys. In Texas, the firm recently earned an "A" grade from the Hispanic Bar Association of Austin, the Austin Black Lawyers Association, and the Austin Asian American Bar Association in their annual survey of the hiring of minority lawyers at the city's 25 largest law firms. The firm has earned an "A" grade on the minority hiring report card every year since 2005.

In addition, the firm has been specifically lauded for its commitment to women. In 2009, for the second consecutive year, we were named a "Best Law Firm for Women" by Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers. The honor recognizes the firm's attention to work/life and women's issues, as measured by family-friendly benefits and policies, flexibility, leadership, and the advancement and retention of women, among other criteria.

Not only does the firm benefit from great diversity among our own partners and associates, but so, too, does the entire legal industry. With our forward-looking policies and continual attempts to improve our diversity programs, we help set the tone for hiring and promoting women and minorities in both partner and management positions throughout the legal profession.