Firm Leaders Participate in Inclusive Recruiting & Hiring Workshop
Michelle Lopez Paradigm
Partnering with Law Schools
During September , our firm held an Inclusive Recruiting & Hiring workshop for more than 80 colleagues who make or influence recruiting and hiring decisions , including practice group leaders , office chairs , D & I Committee members , and Talent and HR administrative staff . The workshop was facilitated by Michelle Lopez of Paradigm , a DEI strategy and consulting firm that provides technology , tools , and thought leadership designed to cultivate a culture of inclusion . A former management defense employment lawyer , Michelle is a DEI strategist who inspires and equips organizational leaders to think inclusively , manage with empathy , and lead with intention and purpose .
This workshop covered how unconscious bais can derail our intentions for DEI and how to adopt objective , intentional strategies to interrupt biases . Michelle says a wealth of research supports that applying objective tools and strategies to an organization ’ s recruiting and hiring processes can have a significant impact on DEI . Tools may include set interview questions , completing a common grading rubric independently and immediately following an interview , and then making decisions collaboratively .
We partnered with several law schools last year , including Fordham , George Washington , and Villanova .
Fordham ’ s DEI Networking
Michelle was impressed with the participants ’ level of engagement , authentic questions , and “ leaning into individual biases ,” which she says cannot be eliminated but can be acknowledged and , with intention , interrupted . She believes that while some industries may be further along in their inclusion work than the legal profession , all industries are on the same learning journey towards building a culture that is receptive to those who think differently , thereby enhancing problem solving with diverse perspectives .
Michelle shared these three inclusive hiring best practices :
1 . Develop structured criteria for all roles : Create clear , objective , and measurable job expectations in job descriptions and use inclusive language to encourage everyone to apply .
2 . Create structured interview processes : Plan questions aligned with relevant criteria in advance and create rubrics .
3 . Encourage accountability through consistent use of processes and calling out bias .
Twice during the year , our firm participated in Fordham University Career Planning Center ’ s DEI speed-networking receptions in order to engage students with our attorneys and DEI professionals and acquaint them with our firm ’ s business , culture , and DEI initiatives . Fordham law school students at all class years , student affinity group leaders and members , and students from underrepresented groups in the field of law participated in the events . In March 2022 ,
Beth Bernstein Connors ,
Ernestine J . Mings ,
Morgan Fraser Mouchette , and
Krystal Studavent Ramsey represented the firm . In November 2022 ,
Michael Kim and
Matthew J . Treiber — both Fordham alumni — represented the firm . Two of our 2022 summer associates were from Fordham .
Villanova ’ s Women ’ s Caucus
During International Women ’ s History Month , we sponsored the Villanova Women ’ s Law Caucus Women in Big Law Panel event , moderated by Blank Rome ’ s
Ashley N . Catalano-Leckerman , a 2017 Villanova alumna , and Erin K . Fountaine , a 2021 Villanova alumna . The event was moderated by Caucus president , Erin Blechschmidt . Fifty students attended in person . One of our 2022 summer associates was from Villanova .
“ The panel was well attended , and the attendees were very engaged , asking excellent questions ,” said Ashley . “ We had really great feedback afterwards that the attendees thought it was super helpful and really enjoyed it .”
Added Erin , “ professors also joined us and took notes to pass on to their advisees , including Professor McGovern who heads up the externship program at Villanova and generally works very hard to connect students to professional opportunities .”
12 • PERSPECTIVES