Shilpa Coorg’s “Younger Generations Demand DEI in the Law” Featured in Los Angeles Business Journal

Shilpa Coorg’s article “Younger Generations Demand DEI in the Law” was recently published in the Los Angeles Business Journal. Taking into consideration the workforce is changing with the younger generations, Shilpa sheds light on the impact millennials and Gen Zers have made on the work culture, particularly with their expectations for diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession. 

According to Deloitte’s annual survey, millennials and Gen Zers are holding to their values by rejecting job offers or assignments that do not align with their core values. Young attorneys expect a firm to lead with DEI and if not, Shilpa says, they’re not afraid to “vote with their feet.” As demonstrated in 2021, a vast number of millennials and Gen Zers quit their jobs which became known as the “Great Resignation.” An inherent commitment, among firms, to DEI efforts, is proving effective in retaining millennial and Gen Z employees.

According to American Lawyer’s most recent Diversity Scorecard, 2022 showcased the largest improvement in diversity among large firms since 2001.  Shilpa explains that although progress is positive, much work and improvement remain.  There is a wide divergence between the diversity in law firms to the diverse demographics of law students.  She states, “Firms that do not take DEI seriously do so at their own peril. The impact of younger attorneys on the workforce is growing and upcoming leaders are carving a new path. Law firms would be well-served by leading the charge.” 

Read the full article: Younger Generations Demand DEI in the Law