Kutak Rock has been named to Bloomberg Law’s inaugural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Framework (Framework). The firm is one of 28 U.S.-based law firms recognized for its level of disclosure of diversity-related metrics and distinguished performance against six core pillars: demographics, leadership and talent pipeline, recruitment and retention, business innovation and strategy, marketing, and diversity & inclusion in the community. More information about the Framework, the methodology, and a full list of members is available from Bloomberg Law.

“As a firm, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our pipeline, provide mentoring opportunities, and promote people with diverse opinions and viewpoints to positions of leadership,” said firm Chair Jay Selanders. “It is gratifying to know our efforts are successful and we are able to demonstrate that we value inclusion and engagement.”

Of particular note, Kutak Rock scored 20 points above the average score in Leadership & Talent Pipeline.

“Through a demonstrated commitment to DEI, Kutak Rock is helping to move the legal industry forward and we recognize their performance by naming them as a member of our 2021 DEI Framework,” said Joe Breda, president, Bloomberg Law. “As we look to the future, it is increasingly apparent that businesses and corporations will look to legal service providers who reflect their values and commitments. Kutak Rock has distinguished itself as a law firm that—based on its track record to date—deserves to be a part of that consideration set.”

Bloomberg Law’s DEI Framework was developed in collaboration with Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index team, as well as diversity leads at corporations and U.S.-based law firms. Performance was assessed across more than 85 metrics, each associated with one of the framework’s six core pillars. Going forward, the methodology and membership criteria will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure alignment with industry trends, methodologies, and best practices.

Among the members of the Bloomberg Law 2021 DEI Framework:

• The overwhelming majority (96%) have a public statement regarding their commitment to diversity and inclusion, but only two in five (42%) shared a specific, time-bound action plan to increase the representation of diverse groups in leadership positions.
• Nine out of 10 (89%) report having a chief diversity officer or equivalent position.
• However, a slight majority (61%) say that practice group leaders have clear diversity and inclusion goals as part of their annual performance review, and two out of three (68%) tie a component of partner compensation to diversity efforts.

Kutak Rock’s inclusiveness and diversity strategic plan supports an inclusive work environment with internal goals for networking, communication, equal opportunity and compositional diversity. The plan supports diversity in the legal profession as a whole with external goals related to pipeline activities with youth and college students in communities in which the firm has offices, and service in national organizations.

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