Wyrick Robbins Pursues Midsize Mansfield Rule Certification to Affirm Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP is pleased to announce that it has joined the 2021-2023 Midsize Mansfield Rule cohort, affirming the firm’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Midsize Mansfield Rule is a certification administered by Diversity Lab that is designed to increase the number of attorneys from historically underrepresented groups working in and leading law firms with 25 to 150 US attorneys. The certification requires that firms consider at least 30% historically underrepresented lawyers for 60% or more of all hiring searches and openings, equity partner promotions, firm governance and managing partner roles, and formal client meetings and presentations over the 18-month certification period. The Midsize Mansfield Rule treats racial/ethnic minority attorneys, female attorneys, LGBTQ+ attorneys, and attorneys with disabilities as historically underrepresented. 

From 2019-2020, Diversity Lab reports that 63% of firms participating in all versions of the Mansfield Rule promoted a higher percentage of underrepresented attorneys into equity partnership, 65% placed a higher percentage of underrepresented attorneys in management and firm governance roles, 58% reported a more diverse lateral partner hiring pool, and 96% had a higher percentage of underrepresented attorneys participating in formal client presentations.

“Wyrick Robbins is committed to taking purposeful action to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within our firm and the legal community,” said the firm’s managing partner Jimmy Yates. “Participating in the Midsize Mansfield Rule is an important step in building on our efforts and remaining accountable for cultivating an environment where people of all identities and backgrounds can progress their legal careers.” 

About Wyrick Robbins 

Wyrick Robbins is a full-service law firm based in Raleigh, NC with a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture, and a focus on growth-oriented businesses. We handle financial and corporate transactions, commercial litigation, and other legal needs for a diverse range of companies. Our experience and knowledge of our clients’ businesses and industries also enable our firm to serve as trusted advisers to founders, investors, directors, and management. Learn more about our firm’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts here. 

About Diversity Lab

Diversity Lab is an incubator for innovative ideas and solutions that boost diversity and inclusion in law. Experimental ideas are created through Diversity Lab hackathons and piloted in collaboration with more than 150 top law firms and legal departments across the country. Diversity Lab leverages data, behavioral science, design thinking, and technology to further develop and test ideas, measure the results, and share the lessons learned. Learn more about Diversity Lab here.