Moore & Van Allen Attains Mansfield Certification Plus Distinction

Recognitions

10.2024

Moore & Van Allen PLLC (MVA) is pleased to announce that it has achieved “Mansfield Certification Plus” designation. Mansfield’s year-long certification process is designed to ensure fair and equal opportunities for qualified legal talent to advance into leadership.

“Moore & Van Allen is proud to prioritize and invest in practices that we believe will foster a diverse leadership pipeline,” said MVA Managing Partner and Chair Thomas L. Mitchell. “We are thrilled to have received Mansfield Certification Plus status and affirm our longstanding commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.”

The Mansfield Rule program is led by Diversity Lab, an incubator for innovative ideas and solutions that boost diversity and inclusion in law. The goal of the program is to boost the representation of diverse lawyers in law firm leadership by broadening the pool of candidates considered for these opportunities.

“We are steadfastly committed to meaningful actions to enhance our advancement practices so that they are thoughtful, fair, and inclusive,” said MVA Diversity Committee Co-chair Valecia M. McDowell. “These intentional efforts to be inclusive are part of MVA’s DNA. They extend beyond the walls of our firm and into the communities where we practice.”

MVA works diligently to develop and promote lawyers and professionals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Details of MVA’s ongoing diversity initiatives and future goals can be found in the annual Diversity Report.

“We are extremely proud of our endeavors to foster a workplace culture that is safe and authentic for attorneys and professionals of every background,” said Diversity Committee Co-chair Amy K. Johnson. “We also acknowledge the need for continual refining and improvement. We continue to drive forward in these efforts, and we’re honored to participate in this undertaking with the Diversity Lab.”

Likewise, Mansfield encourages continuing improvement from its participating firms. Every year after Mansfield adoption, Diversity Lab asks firms to recommit to the principles of transparency, accountability, and knowledge sharing that are required through the Certification process. Mansfield supports participating firms by providing the structure and guidance needed to build and maintain transparent processes, open the door wider for all talent, and connect and collaborate with other firms to exchange best practices. MVA will be participating in the 2024-25 cohort alongside more than 365 other firms, which is a record high for Diversity Lab.

To maintain its effectiveness at diversifying leadership over time, the standards for Mansfield Certification continue to evolve based on data-backed insights. Research shows that firms that stay committed and accountable to the process year-over-year are making substantial progress in diversifying their leadership.