The diversity of the firm is a critical factor in Steptoe’s success. We believe that an inclusive culture is grounded in putting clients first, collaborating closely across practices and offices, supporting each other, and performing at high levels. Excellence in the practice of law knows no racial, ethnic, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, religious, socio-economic, or other such boundaries.
We are dedicated to recruiting, hiring, retaining, promoting and celebrating lawyers and colleagues from diverse backgrounds, with diverse experiences and perspectives. The firm supports career paths that enhance and maximize individual and team strengths, in the long run as well as the short term. We strive to create an environment in which all of our lawyers and professionals can develop, and participate in the development of, a diverse, inclusive, and productive workplace community.
Leadership
In more than 100 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. We are diverse in practices, industries, geographies, and people.
Our leadership reflects our diversity. The firm’s chair is a woman; the majority of the firm’s elected executive committee is female; the majority of Steptoe's 10 offices are managed by women; and the majority of Steptoe’s practice groups have women as leaders. The firm's six-person professional business services leadership is equally diverse, with two women of color, and other leaders who openly identify as LGBTQ+.
Affinity Groups
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, as well as our affinity groups, provide a forum for programming, networking, and supporting and growing our talent.
Racial Justice Fund
The Steptoe Racial Justice Fund is designed to support legal service organizations and initiatives fighting racial injustice in the following areas:
- Voter rights and civil rights;
- Criminal justice and policing reform;
- Access to healthcare and other health disparities;
- Housing access and economic stability of communities;
- Education and cultural preservation; and
- Minority-owned small businesses.