Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity Is How We See.
It Isn't Just How We Look.®

At Robins Kaplan LLP, our commitment to diversity has been constantly renewed and revitalized since the founding of our firm in 1938. Our founders, two young Jewish men who started the firm in the depths of the Depression because they could not find a place at the table among the better law firms in Minneapolis and St. Paul, started the firm to create an inclusive environment for attorneys from underrepresented groups to do meaningful work and ensure equal access to justice for all. That initial fight for access for everyone, for a place at the table for all, became part of the firm’s DNA.

 

At Robins Kaplan, we are committed to advancing diversity by ensuring that fairness, respect and professional opportunity for everyone are integral to all of our recruiting, retention and promotion efforts. We believe that the diverse background of our people brings necessary and varied perspectives that enrich our practice of law. Those perspectives make us both a diverse law firm and a smart one. To foster personal and professional growth, we have implemented numerous initiatives to develop, advance, and empower lawyers and aspiring lawyers from all backgrounds.

Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Robins Kaplan LLP is committed to the recruitment of diverse candidates. We believe that the diverse background of our people brings necessary and varied perspectives that enrich our practice of law.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Recruiting

For over 20 years, Robins Kaplan’s Diversity Committee has existed to address the myriad issues facing attorneys of diverse backgrounds. The Diversity Committee includes members from the firm’s highest leadership levels, and has three subcommittees – the LGBTQ+ Resource Group, Attorneys of Color Resource Group, and Women of Robins Kaplan Resource Group. These three subcommittees, as well as the Black Firm Members Resource Group, function to connect firm members to each other, provide a firm contact for prospective employees, and to suggest and assist with the firm’s diversity initiatives.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership

Achievements and Recognitions

Diversity and Flexibility Alliance Tipping the Scales 2023

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Tipping the Scales Recognition

Achieving excellence in the recruitment, retention, and advancement of top diverse teams and values flexible working options.

Human Rights Campaign Best Places to Work 2022

Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality

National benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.

Minnesota Women Lawyers 2022 Platinum Partner

Minnesota Women Lawyers Platinum Partner

Dedicated to advancing the success of women lawyers and striving for a just society. 

Mansfield Certification Badge Plus 2022

Mansfield 5.0 Plus Participant

Broadening the pool of candidates considered for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities, and senior lateral positions.

Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Award

Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Member

Building a more open and diverse legal profession.

 2020 Top Performer Award

Wanton Injustice Legal Detail (WILD)

An affiliate non-profit organization to Twin Cities Diversity in Practice (TCDIP), as a founder.

2019 American Bar Association Law Firm Division’s Martha Africa Golden Hammer Award

American Bar Association

Law Firm Division’s Martha Africa Golden Hammer Award

Calibrate ID Member

Calibrate ID Member

Addressing inclusion/diversity among law firm business service professionals

Contacts:

Elizabeth Burnett

Partner

Co-Chair, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Jason R. Fair

Partner

Deputy Managing Partner, Los Angeles Office;
Co-Chair, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Events

May 23, 2024
14th Annual Disability Justice Seminar
Robins Kaplan LLP, Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities
May 20, 2024
The Present and Future of DEI
Brandon Vaughn, Navin Ramalingam - Hennepin County Bar Association
Remote via Zoom
March 1, 2024
LGBTQ Legal Services: Transgender Name Change Clinic
Robins Kaplan LLP, OutFront Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Law School OutLaw
February 10-13, 2024
American Association for Justice 2024 Winter Convention
Brandon Vaughn - AAJ 2024 Winter Convention
Austin, TX
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