Wiley is committed to elevating and amplifying the voices that reflect the diversity and inclusiveness of our communities and the legal profession. Despite these times of nationwide unrest and the pandemic-related separation that posed significant challenges to our in-person diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, our firm achieved many of the goals we set for 2021. We deepened our roots by launching our dedicated DEI Department, encouraging courageous conversations, and promoting a more inclusive culture. Through these efforts, we have thrived together in celebrating and supporting the talent, unique perspectives, and contributions of each member of our Wiley team.

For the second year in a row, we are proud to report that over 50% of our partner promotions were women, and over 50% of our 2021 fall associate class were women, racially and ethnically diverse, or LGBTQ+. Firmwide, over 30% of our partners are women, racially and ethnically diverse, or LGBTQ+, a 5% increase from 2020. Moreover, we increased the percentage of Black attorneys firmwide by 67%.

Wiley’s professional development and diversity focused programs start at the firm. These programs empower our attorneys and promote allyship within our firm.

We have also furthered our DEI efforts through our pro bono initiatives and charitable giving, and increased our engagement with clients. We welcome opportunities to continue the dialogue in advocating for DEI in the legal industry. While urgency motivates us, we know that this marathon requires deliberate action to drive sustainable and meaningful change. 

Wiley is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The Wiley Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship provides a scholarship in the amount of $25,000 and a summer associate position to a 1L law student who is a member of a historically underrepresented group in the legal profession - including law students who are members of a racial and/or ethnic minority group, are differently abled, or are from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds - and who demonstrated academic, leadership, and/or professional accomplishments and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Additionally, Wiley participates in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity's (LCLD) 1L Scholars Program. In addition to Wiley Rein’s traditional 10 week summer program, our Scholar has the opportunity to attend a professional development summit and access to various networking opportunities organized by LCLD.

Wiley has eight diversity-focused affinity groups that provide strategic leadership to support the retention and advancement of attorneys: Asian & Pacific Lawyers, Black Lawyers, Latinx Lawyers, LGBTQ+ Lawyers & Allies, Minority Lawyers, Parents-in-the-Law & Allies, Veteran Lawyers, and the Women’s Forum. Each of these groups aims to raise awareness of barriers and challenges that affinity group professionals may encounter throughout their careers and encourage informal mentoring to facilitate culture of belonging at Wiley. In 2021, Wiley’s affinity groups and the DEI Department have sponsored over 25 programs and initiatives for the firm, including heritage month celebrations, moderated discussions, social events, podcasts, and other events aimed to support and celebrate diverse attorneys and cultures (e.g., annual Veteran’s Day celebration; encouraging the use of pronouns in email signatures; programs featuring Dr. Jelani Cobb for Black History Month, Bisa Butler for International Women’s Day, UCLA Distinguished Professor Jerry Kang for AAPI Month, and Dean Danielle Holley-Walker for Juneteenth).