Diversity

It has always been our goal to hire a diverse group of interesting individuals who are also excellent attorneys. Our attorneys hail from 90 law schools, both US and foreign, and many have had significant careers before joining the firm—as journalists, business executives, and academics, including professors of English, political science, foreign languages, and philosophy.

Steptoe is as proud of our accomplishments outside the office as of our victories in the legal arena. Sharing the rich diversity of our experiences—both at work and beyond the office environment—increases substantially the rewards associated with the practice of law.

New Associates

Steptoe is committed to recruit the best and the brightest attorneys from law schools around the world. The firm regularly sponsors and attends minority conferences, receptions, and job fairs. Steptoe attorneys are actively involved in Black Law Students Association and National Asian Pacific American Bar Association events and Hispanic National Bar Association recruiting fairs in chapters across the country. In 2006, Steptoe sponsored the Second Annual IMPACT Career Fair, which was focused on providing opportunities for disabled law students and lawyers.

In addition, the firm periodically contacts law school placement directors to seek their advice and request their assistance in encouraging minority candidates to consider joining Steptoe. Our attorneys volunteer at a number of law schools for mock interview programs. Steptoe has also sponsored and assisted in the coordination of the Annual Washington, DC, Minority Summer Associate Reception since its inception in the 1970s.

Steptoe is enhancing diversity at the undergraduate level, as well. In 2006, the firm created and sponsored a Law School Admission Test preparation course scholarship program in cooperation with the Arizona State University Pre-Law Club and Kaplan review courses. Applicants wrote a short essay describing how their entry into law school would enhance diversity in the legal profession. The intent was to allow consideration of various factors, such as race, gender, disability, language skills, cultural background, and experience working or teaching abroad. Steptoe associates helped to review the applications and award the scholarships. This program was continued in 2007, and three students were awarded scholarships.

Laterals

Whether you are practicing at another law firm or have had a distinguished career in the government sector, Steptoe believes recruiting diverse individuals creates an environment that is beneficial to both attorneys and clients.

Multicultural Law Magazine has included Steptoe & Johnson LLP in its Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity for 2007 and 2008.
Steptoe elected five new partners up from the ranks, effective January 1, 2007. Of the five, one was a woman and one was a minority. In addition, three women were promoted to of counsel;
As of February 1, 2008, 20% of the firm's partners are women;
Steptoe was ranked in the 2006 Top 25 Law Firms for Disabled Americans and Top 25 Law Firms for Native Americans by Multicultural Law Magazine;
Steptoe's Executive Committee includes three women;
The managing partner of the New York office is a minority;
The co-chair of the Diversity Committee and the Hiring Committee is a minority woman.

Steptoe's Diversity Initiatives

Diversity at Steptoe means more than just hiring attorneys from all walks of life. It also means fostering an inclusive working environment once you join the firm.

Our Diversity Committee was created over a decade ago to assist in the recruiting, retention, development, and advancement of female and minority attorneys within the firm. The Committee includes the co-chair of the Hiring Committee, the vice chair of the Associates Committee, two Executive Committee members, the managing partner of the New York office, and representation from all US-based offices. Attorneys from the Diversity Committee participate in job fairs and conferences aimed at minority recruiting, as well as serve as on-campus recruiters.

In late 2005, an informal group called MAS, or Multicultural Attorneys at Steptoe, held its inaugural luncheon in the Washington, DC office. MAS meets regularly to support diverse attorneys in matters related to retention, advancement, and business development. Additionally, Steptoe has an in-house Women’s Forum that provides support to our women attorneys at all levels in connection with career advancement and business development.

Diversity Resources

Listed below are several diversity-related resources that may be useful in advancing your career in the legal profession.

Steptoe has either sponsored an event associated with one of the organizations below, or a current attorney personally found membership in the association beneficial to enhancing their career.

Diversity News

Read the Steptoe news item, "Steptoe Selects Three Students for 2007 LSAT Award," regarding our work to benefit underrepresented law school applicants.