Katten is a firm of first choice for clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services in the United States and abroad. Our nationally recognized practices include corporate, financial services, litigation, real estate, environmental, commercial finance, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, and trusts and estates. Our more than 650 attorneys serve public and private companies, including a third of the Fortune 100, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. We provide full-service legal advice from locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai.
Director of Diversity & Inclusion
The Director of Diversity & Inclusion will design, develop and execute strategies to embed diversity, inclusion and cultural competency into the firm’s day-to-day operations, including the hiring, training, retention, and education for both the Firm’s legal and business professional population. The Director of Diversity & Inclusion will work as a part of the Talent management team and with the Diversity Committee, affinity groups (e.g. Women’s Leadership Forum, LGBTQ+ Coalition, Partner Collective on Race and Ethnic Diversity (PCRED), Committee on Race and Ethnic Diversity (CRED), Black Attorneys Affinity Group, and Katten Parents Affinity Group), Firm Chair, Firm CEO and Chief Diversity Partner to support the Firm’s commitment to and advancing the Firm’s diversity and inclusion efforts and goals. Essential duties are performed personally or through delegation/supervision of subordinates. The Director of Diversity & Inclusion maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.
This position can be located in either the Chicago, New York or Washington, D.C. office.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Assess, design, implement and manage comprehensive strategies and programs to effectively establish an inclusive environment that incorporates diversity and inclusion into all of the Firm’s talent management functions including recruiting, professional development and human resources for both attorneys and business professionals.
Identify and analyze diversity and inclusion trends and best practices across the profession and the broader business community and work to adopt and implement such practices at the Firm as appropriate.
Design and implement diversity initiatives to enhance the hiring, retention and engagement of the Firm’s talent by embedding the Firm’s diversity and inclusion goals in the talent development model at the Firm. This includes implementing specific processes and plans to develop and retain and promote under-represented attorneys (e.g. attorneys of color (AOC), LGBTQ+ attorneys, female attorneys, etc.) and business professionals. Such plans may include collaborating with appropriate attorneys and business professionals to ensure that work assignment systems reflect our commitment to professional development and diversity, and designing and implementing networking, mentorship and both formal and informal training opportunities.
Monitor progress made on the Firm’s diversity goals by utilizing metrics, soliciting feedback from the Firm’s internal affinity groups, and maintaining and actively monitoring diversity hiring and attrition statistics.
Build relationships with and serve as a resource, mentor, advisor and diversity subject matter expert to the Firm’s attorneys and business professionals. Lead challenging conversations across our Firm community in an effort to promote change, foster inclusion, and create understanding of the identities, intersectionality and experiences that our attorneys and business professionals bring to the Firm.
Coach and engage the Firm’s senior leadership and partners in developing, mentoring, sponsoring and giving feedback to attorneys of color, LGBTQ+ attorneys, and women attorneys at the Firm.
In partnership with the Firm’s CEO, ensure that the Firm’s practice group leaders have the necessary resources and support in connection with their implementation of diversity and inclusion actions identified in practice group business plans.
Collaborate with the Firm’s business development and marketing team and the Chief Diversity Partner on the communication of the Firm’s diversity commitment and activities on the Firm’s intranet, website, and other publications, and in response to client requests for proposals.
Lead the Firm’s participation in peer and industry surveys regarding diversity and inclusiveness. Manage the coordination with other Firm functions, including Finance, Human Resources, Marketing and Practice Management, and obtain input and direction from the Chief Diversity Partner, to respond to diversity and inclusion surveys, RFPs, and related instruments in response to client inquiries.
Facilitate opportunities, in partnership with the Chief Diversity Partner, for Firm leadership and individual attorneys to participate in external, high value diversity organizations and efforts.
Monitor, analyze and report on diversity and inclusion statistics to (i) benchmark the Firm against others in the industry, and (ii) to make recommendations as appropriate to Firm leadership.
With input and direction from the Firm Chair and Chief Diversity Partner, manage a diversity and inclusion budget encompassing sponsorships and other programs with regular assessment of external sponsorships and related expenditures with the goal of maximizing return on investment, controlling costs, and using talent and resources efficiently.
Actively participate in professional organizations, and/or speak at external programs that support diversity and inclusion such as NALP, ALFDP, PDC, etc. Attend related conferences and report on practices and information to improve the Firm’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises and manages employees and is responsible for their overall direction, coordination, and evaluation. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Firm’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, training, and developing employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; making recommendations for hiring, promotion, compensation, and termination.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Bachelor’s degree is required with a minimum of five (5) years of diversity & inclusion experience, with increasing responsibility, preferably in a law firm or similar professional services environment, during which the knowledge, skills and abilities applicable to the position were demonstrated. A JD is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to provide quality client service to internal and external contacts regarding routine and complex matters, and to develop and maintain effective business relationships with people of diverse backgrounds. Requires tact, patience, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, and to make presentations to small and large groups in an effective manner.
Ability to pay impeccable attention to detail.
Intermediate knowledge of MS Suite to produce quality written communications, including presentations and advanced functions of Excel.
Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects in a dynamic and complex environment, meeting deadlines and successfully managing the daily workload.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in a cooperative manner to accomplish work and participate in team efforts.
Demonstrated ability to represent the firm with professionalism and honesty, consistently acting in an ethical manner.
Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation, or office supplies weighing up to 10 pounds.
Ability to manage a geographically distributed team.
Ability and availability to travel to other Firm locations when required.
We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution; transportation fringe benefit program; back-up care option; generous paid time off policy; and long-term and short-term disability policies.
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA-M/F/SO/Disability/Veteran.
