Five Republican AGs Warn America Largest Law: Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, and Iowa have urged the top 100 law firms in the U.S. to cease race-based hiring, deeming it unethical and illegal. The five attorneys general, including Montana’s Austin Knudsen, sent a letter highlighting the Supreme Court’s recent decision on race-based admissions policies at Harvard College and the University of North Carolina. The letter states that the court’s ruling applies to private employers and warns law firms of being held accountable for non-compliance.
Iowa’s Attorney General, Brenna Bird, stated on social media that different races should not be treated differently. “We expect our attorneys to follow the law like everyone else,” she wrote. KY Attorney General Daniel Cameron, a gubernatorial candidate, opposes race-based hiring as “identity politics” and advocates for equal opportunities. The letter raised concerns about diversity programs at law firms, like setting goals for underrepresented workers or sponsoring race-based fellowship programs. It also stated that diversity training is negative when it assigns fault, blame, or bias to a specific race or addresses unconscious racism.
Andrew Turnbull, a labor and employment partner at Morrison & Foerster, states that federal law prohibits using race and other protected characteristics for employment decisions but allows DEI initiatives to enhance workplace inclusivity. Conservative leaders may target DEI projects in businesses soon. Edward Blum sued a Georgia venture capital company over a grant program for Black women entrepreneurs. He claimed the program discriminates based on race.
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This warning follows a letter from 13 attorneys general to Fortune 100 CEOs in July. The letter requested CEOs to cease using “unlawful race-based quotas or preferences” in hiring or contracting. Both letters end with the same threat that companies will be held accountable. McKinsey & Co. reported that DEI positions in the U.S. have quadrupled in the past five years. In 2021, almost three times more companies hired chief diversity officers compared to 16 months ago, pre-George Floyd incident.
Republican leaders oppose focusing on DEI projects after 2020. Some red states have banned DEI offices in government-funded colleges. In Iowa, public universities have only spent on DEI projects once the Board of Regents completes a comprehensive study and review. The latest action from these states adds to the ongoing DEI debate in business and education. It highlights legal implications and could lead to future court battles over discrimination and inclusion.
Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the largest injury law firm in America?
Morgan & Morgan: The biggest personal injury law firm in America.
What is the #1 law firm in America?
1. Kirkland & Ellis leads the pack with a revenue of $6,042,000,000.
2. Next up is Latham & Watkins with a revenue of $5,488,778,000.
3. DLA Piper secures the third spot with a revenue of $3,471,437,000.
4. Baker McKenzie (verein) follows closely with a revenue of $3,126,729,000.
5. And the list goes on with 66 more top-tier law firms.
What is the largest law firm in the world?
Kirkland & Ellis, established in 1909 in Chicago, has become the world’s largest firm by revenue. It made history as the first law firm to surpass $4 billion in annual revenue.
What is the largest law firm in New York City?
Kirkland & Ellis is at the forefront, with Davis Polk right behind them. Paul Weiss follows closely. All three companies have over 700 lawyers in New York. The list includes 100 firms with attorney headcounts in New York ranging from 795 to 104.