Firm says drops in diverse law school applicants may reduce available associate candidates
The demand for diverse legal and compliance talent in the US has stayed strong in the past year, according to US executive search and talent advisory firm BarkerGilmore.
“Notwithstanding the political discourse regarding the value of D.E.I. programs, our clients continue to seek in-house legal and compliance professionals who are highly qualified for those positions, and who also are representative of the current diversity of their company’s larger workforce and customer base,” managing partner John Gilmore said in a press release.
The firm reported a combined three-year average of 68 percent with regard to its placements of women and underrepresented candidates, which BarkerGilmore said reflected the sustained corporate interest in diverse professionals. However, while the existing pool of talent is deep, it may be affected by supposed drop-offs in diverse law school applicants.
Gilmore noted that a decline in such applicants may limit the number of new associates law firms hire. With associate being the typical starting point on the path to a in-house legal role, this trend may restrict the pool of diverse candidates qualified for in-house senior legal positions in the long run, he said.
The American Bar Association reported last month that the number of diverse law school applicants did not decrease after the US Supreme Court ruled to abolish affirmative action in college admissions in 2023. However, Harvard Law School said in September 2024 that the percentage of students of colour in its incoming class fell by 8 percentage points that year compared to 2023.
The Florida Bar also recently eliminated its diversity and inclusion policy as the Florida Supreme Court pushed for a pullback in race- and gender-focused diversity efforts. Moreover, since US president Donald Trump took office on January 20 federal agencies have deactivated diversity programs. Private organizations have also been pressed to drop DEI, according to Reuters.
