Kutak Rock has been named to Bloomberg Law’s second Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Framework (Framework). The firm is one of 43 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 and inclusion in the community. More information about the Framework, the methodology, and a full list of members is available on the Bloomberg Law website.

“Kutak Rock strives to provide pathways to leadership—in our firm, in our communities, and in serving our clients—for a diverse range of attorneys” said firm Chair John Petr. “We’re pleased that our efforts have once again been recognized by Bloomberg Law’s Framework.”

Of particular note, Kutak Rock scored 18 points above the average score in Leadership & Talent Pipeline.  

“The desire to incorporate DEI into the selection process for outside legal services presents a new challenge for the industry, but Kutak Rock has distinguished itself as a law firm worthy of consideration,” said Joe Breda, President, Bloomberg Law. “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 2022 DEI Framework.”

Bloomberg Law’s DEI Framework was developed in 2021 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.

Among the key findings of the 2022 report: 

• 83% of firms say they have a chief diversity officer, and nearly all (91%) have a public statement regarding their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Women make up half (50.8%) of all law firm associates, and just under one-third (29.4%) of partners. Six percent of firm associates and 2.7% of partners are Black, 11.3% of associates and 4.2% of partners are Asian American. 
• This year, 70% of firms require diversity in the pool of candidates for management and leadership positions, up from 58% last year.
• There are meaningful differences between firms who made the list of 2022 DEI Framework member firms and those who did not. Among firms who made the list, 54% said practice group leaders have clear diversity and inclusion goals included as part of their annual performance review, while only 10% of non-member firms said their practice group leaders have these goals.
• Additionally, nearly all (97.7%) member firms provide opportunities for attorneys to voluntarily disclose disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression through firm collection procedures, compared to 40% of non-member firms.

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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