Overview
News & Insights
02.20.2024
In the News
Shelley Smith Quoted in American Lawyer Article, " The Sweet Spot Between Microaggressions and Empty Words: Threading the Needle on Associate Feedback"
The American Lawyer article, “The Sweet Spot Between Microaggressions and Empty Words: Threading the Needle on Associate Feedback,” includes comments from Shelley Smith, Archer’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. With associate feedback recently coming under scrutiny, the article discusses law firms and their partners’ possible struggle to deliver appropriate guidance to associates while keeping diversity, equity and inclusion considerations in mind. While partners risk inadvertently incorporating microaggressions into feedback, not offering feedback to associates is another form of discrimination.
12.11.23
In the News
Shelley Smith Quoted in Law.com Article, "How Should Midsize Firms Navigate DEI Landmines"
Shelley R. Smith, Archer's Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, was interviewed for the Law.com article, "How Should Midsize Firms Navigate DEI Landmines?" Shelley, a partner in the firm's Labor & Employment Group, discussed how midsize firms can move forward with DEI programming without risking litigation or other issues related to recent DEI pushback. The article offers practical advice on how midsize firms can ensure they're compliant with the law and able to continue the efforts they started before as much resistance had occurred.
11.27.2023
Articles
Shelley Smith Authors the Legal Intelligencer Article, "In the Face of Affirmative Action: Persisting With Law Firm Diversity Efforts"
The Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, 600 U.S. 181 (2023) held that affirmative action programs are unconstitutional in private college admissions. The decision left businesses that are committed to diversity initiatives worried about what it would mean for their DEI programs. However, the decision does not invalidate private employment diversity efforts.
Shelley Smith, Archer’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Partner in the firm’s Business Litigation and Labor and Employment Groups, recently authored The Legal article, “In the Face of Affirmative Action: Persisting with Law Firm Diversity Efforts,” which reviews the Supreme court decision. In the article, Shelley discusses the legal field being among the least diverse professions and how law firms can continue working towards a more diverse and inclusive industry - despite the current attacks against affirmative action.
To read the article, click here.