News & Insights

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. ...read more

Can Institutions Find Legal Workarounds for State Bans on DEI?

Following Donald Trump’s re-election, many states have passed bans against programs and scholarships that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education which tracks such legislation, more than a dozen states have passed anti-DEI laws since 2024, and dozens of additional bills are pending in 30 states and the United States Congress.  ...read more

Archer & Greiner Names Ex-City Solicitor Shelley Smith to Lead Philadelphia Office

In an article for the Legal Intelligencer, Archer partner Shelley R. Smith discusses her appointment as managing partner of the firm’s Philadelphia office and her plans to further develop the office’s identity and presence within the city’s legal community. A Philadelphia native with deep connections throughout the region, Shelley brings more than three decades of legal experience, including eight years as Philadelphia City Solicitor and 10 years as a partner at Archer. ...read more

Archer & Greiner Seeks to Double Philadelphia Presence Behind New Office Managing Partner

With her new role as Managing Partner of our Philadelphia office, Shelley Smith sat down with the Philadelphia Business Journal to discuss her vision for the office, her deep connection to the city, and the opportunities ahead. Archer President Marc Rollo also shares how this growth fits into the firm’s broader strategy of thoughtful, organic expansion. Archer is positioning its Philadelphia office for significant growth, with a goal of reaching approximately 50 attorneys over the next several years. The firm is focused on building its capabilities in key industries throughout the region, including higher education, healthcare, life sciences, sports and entertainment, nonprofits, and land use. ...read more

Archer & Greiner Taps Ex-City Solicitor To Lead Philly Office

In a Law360 Pulse article, Archer partner Shelley Smith is featured following her appointment as managing partner of the firm’s Philadelphia office. The article highlights Shelley’s extensive legal and leadership experience, her deep ties to Philadelphia, and her plans to help the office continue to grow while strengthening its identity and connections within the city’s legal, business, civic, and cultural communities. ...read more

The Future of DEI in Legal

The legal landscape around diversity, equity, and inclusion has shifted significantly in the wake of several significant judicial opinions. While the legal profession has been notoriously slow to make progress in its efforts to nurture more inclusive practice environments, there is optimism about the advancement of inclusion in the profession.  ...read more

Archer’s Shelley Smith Tapped as Managing Partner of Philadelphia Office

Former Philadelphia City Solicitor and veteran trial lawyer will lead Archer’s Philadelphia office as the firm continues to strengthen its Pennsylvania–New Jersey platform ...read more

Shelley Smith Named to City & State PA Fifty Over 50

Archer partner and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (“CDEIO”), Shelley R. Smith, was named to City & State PA’s Fifty Over 50 list, which recognizes 50 influential leaders in Pennsylvania over the age of 50 who have set themselves apart in government, nonprofits and the private sector. ...read more

Archer Files Amicus Curiae Brief for Pro Bono Client Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ...read more

Better, Stronger, Smarter: Building Diverse Teams to Win in Today’s Evolving Landscape

Archer partner and Chief of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Shelley R. Smith will be a speaker at the USC Gould School of Law Intellectual Property Institute. With diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives at an inflection point, Shelley's session, "Better, Stronger, Smarter: Building Diverse Teams to Win in Today’s Evolving Landscape," will focus on how to build diverse and engaged teams to deliver better, stronger, and smarter results to clients. Hear thoughts from the panelists on how to embrace the challenges and reap the rewards. ...read more

Shelley Smith to Moderate the Panel "Getting Real in Our New Reality" at the NJBIA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit

Shelley R. Smith, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and a Partner in the firm’s Business Litigation and Labor and Employment Groups, will serve as Moderator on the panel "Getting Real in Our New Reality" at the New Jersey Business & Industry Association Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit, "Elephants in Shifting Sands: The Changing Reality of DE&I". ...read more

Shelley Smith to be a Panelist at CCSNJ Diversity & Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Forum

When: Thursday, June 16, 2022 ...read more