New York City companies like to see results. Appropriately, then, firms are beginning to assess the impact of three years of renewed focus on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
For the third year in a row, Crain’s has found no shortage of stories to tell at the intersection of business and D&I. Below are nearly 30 nominated finalists in four categories in our Diversity & Inclusion Awards, emphasizing the most innovative and effective programs. The package also includes a collection of stories highlighting the work led by our award finalists.
On June 13, Crain’s will reveal the winners of the D&I awards during an in-person event at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan. Join us as we toast to the New York leaders who remove barriers and make business more inclusive and equitable.
DIVERSITY CHAMPION – SMALL
Cohen Ziffer Frenchman & McKenna
The insurance recovery boutique law firm Cohen Ziffer Frenchman & McKenna, founded in 2021, has steadily built up a diverse staff.
That has been a priority from the start for its chair, Robin Cohen. “I admit to taking pride in the fact that the first name of our firm is a woman’s,” she said in a press release at the time of the firm’s launch. “We are determined to recruit and retain diverse lawyers because, among other reasons, diversity on our teams enhances our work and maximizes the results we achieve for clients.”
After launching with 12 attorneys, the firm has grown to 31 lawyers and 44 employees. Four of its equity partners are women, and five of the firm’s new associate hires are from groups underrepresented in the legal profession.
To help the attorneys move up through the ranks, the firm has launched an associate training program that mentors young lawyers within Cohen Ziffer Frenchman & McKenna. The firm sponsors its attorneys’ involvement in groups such as the LGBTQ+ Bar and the South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey.
To encourage a wider pool of job candidates, the firm has bolstered its parental leave policies and flexible scheduling.
Click here for the full list of finalists.