While both lawsuits have now been withdrawn, it appears that AAER achieved some of its objectives. Perkins Coie’s diversity fellowship, once limited to minority groups, is now open to all applicants. Morrison Foerster similarly expanded its program, embracing all students with a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
A Changing Landscape
AAER’s lawsuits came in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark rulings in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina. These decisions upended race-based admissions practices at universities, heralding a new era of legal challenges. The ripple effects of these rulings extend far beyond higher education, affecting employers nationwide as they grapple with their diversity and inclusion efforts.
Sen. Tom Cotton warned law firm leaders that their DEI programs may violate federal law following the SFFA ruling. Meanwhile, the New York State Bar Association published a report outlining strategies to promote diversity in education and the corporate world, emphasizing the legal industry’s role.
Addressing the Diversity Gap
Despite these challenges, the legal industry remains predominantly white and male. According to Law360’s Diversity Snapshot, only 3.2% of partners and 6.8% of associates at Perkins Coie are Black, with similar percentages for Latino attorneys.
Perkins Coie Diversity Suit : Legal Representation
Perkins Coie is represented by Jared D. Eisenberg, Christopher J. Schwegmann, and Eric W. Pinker of Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann LLP, as well as Ishan K. Bhabha, Lauren J. Hartz, Marcus A. R. Childress, Erica S. Turret, and Andrianna D. Kastanek of Jenner & Block LLP.
