Law360, The National Law Journal and Reuters covered the launch of McGuireWoods’ multidisciplinary DEI practice team.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and SFFA v. University of North Carolina, et al. — as well as changes in state laws and heightened plaintiff group activity — have sparked increased legal, shareholder and other scrutiny of corporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. McGuireWoods established the DEI practice team to help clients identify, navigate and mitigate potential legal issues arising from these and other developments.
Labor and employment partner and DEI practice team member Amy Morrissey Turk told Law360 that when the SFFA decision came down in June, “Our phones started ringing off the hook with our corporate clients basically saying to us, ‘what does this mean for our DEI programs’ administration?’ ”
“Even though it’s in the university admission space, and technically doesn’t go to Title VII private employers, I do think that case helped launch the discussion,” Turk added.
McGuireWoods’ DEI practice team comprises lawyers from the firm’s education, labor and employment, affirmative action, government contracting, appeals and issues, commercial litigation, corporate governance, insurance recovery, and government investigations and white collar litigation groups. Lawyers help clients develop strategies to minimize risk and meet legal and regulatory requirements while continuing to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.