The Washington Post reported Dec. 9, 2023:
The conservative campaign to dismantle corporate diversity initiatives has hit pay dirt by focusing on a surprising target: law firms….
These actions have spurred some swift changes: Three big law firms — Perkins Coie, Morrison Foerster and Winston & Strawn — opened their fellowships aimed at students of color to students of all races and backgrounds after being sued. After receiving an Oct. 9 letter threatening litigation, a fourth law firm, Adams and Reese, ended its diversity fellowship…
Merle Vaughn, national law firm diversity practice leader with Major, Lindsey & Africa, said law firms are under so much pressure because DEI opponents “realize that law firms are traditionally risk-averse, and lawyers are risk-averse by nature.”
Lawyers tend to be very risk-averse, and that predilection often leads to clashes with the business and unnecessary friction in the day-to-day operations of the business, especially when it comes to contracts. Yes, lawyers can spot a crummy deal from a mile away but legal doesn’t run the business.
Google AI provides these reasons for why lawyers are so risk averse:
Lawyers’ training
Lawyers are trained to focus on what could go wrong and protect clients, which can lead to a risk-averse approach.
Legal education
Law schools focus on litigation and the Socratic method, rather than teaching skills like data analysis, coding, and statistics.
Legal culture
Law firms are built around a culture that frowns on risk, and decisions are only made after thorough analysis and paperwork.
Perception
Lawyers are often perceived as being unable to see the big picture due to their obsession with details.
