Cleary Gottlieb Becomes First Series Sponsor of City Bar’s “Overruling Grutter Series”
Series Aims to Foster Diversity in the Legal Profession through the Student Pipeline
The City Bar’s Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (ODEIB) is thrilled to announce that Cleary Gottlieb has signed on as the first series sponsor of its Overruling Grutter Series, which aims to foster diversity and inclusion in the legal profession via a concerted industry-wide effort to bring pipeline programs to New York City public school students.
The Overruling Grutter Series, launched in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision ending race-based affirmative action at colleges and universities, is a collaborative effort by ODEIB, the Pipeline Crisis/Winning Strategies Initiative, and the City Bar’s DEI Committee and Education Law Committee. This four-part series is designed to provide a platform for discussion and initiatives that contribute to the enhancement of diversity in the legal sector, particularly focusing on students from marginalized backgrounds.
“Cleary Gottlieb’s sponsorship exemplifies its dedication to creating lasting change in the legal sector, and their support is instrumental in propelling our mission to do just that,” said ODEIB Executive Director Tanya Martinez-Gallinucci. “It’s just the latest example of how Cleary walks the talk, as they have been doing pipeline work with a New York City public school for over 30 years.”
“We are proud to support the City Bar Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging’s efforts to grow pipeline programs for New York City public school students. Over many years, Cleary’s partnership with the Washington Irving Campus of high schools has shown us first-hand how pipeline programs help young people realize their full potential. It has also strengthened the firm and brought us closer to our community,” said Kyle Harris, M&A Partner and Washington Irving Partner Supervisor at Cleary Gottlieb.
In recognition of Cleary Gottlieb’s decades-long commitment to strengthening the diversity pipeline into the legal profession, the firm will be recognized with the City Bar Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging’s D&I Champion Award.
The Overruling Grutter Series includes panel discussions, workshops and a culminating all-day conference, where industry leaders, legal professionals, educators and advocates will come together to address challenges, share insights and develop actionable strategies to promote diversity initiatives and pipeline programs.
The first event in the series – “Overruling Grutter: What Does Ending Affirmative Action Mean for Voluntary DEI Workplace” – delved into the future of voluntary diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across various sectors. A video of the program can be viewed here.
The second installment – “Overruling Grutter: What Does the Supreme Court’s Opinion on Affirmative Action Mean for Diversity Initiatives & the Pipeline to Law Firms & Financial Institutions?” – analyzed the implications of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision. The video of this program will be available shortly.
A steering committee has come together to draft a commitment to pipeline work for organizations to sign on to. Individuals and organizations interested in joining the steering committee are encouraged to contact mellenlarosa@nycbar.org.
In October, stakeholders are invited to an in-person day-long conference where they can learn how to establish their own pipeline programs, connect with pipeline partners, and commit to the pipeline. The conference will provide invaluable opportunities for industry leaders to network, share best practices and collaborate on initiatives to enhance diversity in the legal profession.
Companies and individuals interested in getting involved in the Overruling Grutter Series can lend their support in various capacities, including as Drafters, Signatories, Sponsors, Advocates and more. For more information about sponsorship opportunities and involvement, please contact mellenlarosa@nycbar.org.
