Culture of Inclusion
"When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free.”
Charles Evans Hughes
Hughes Hubbard has long believed in the “right to be different.” Our experience is that our differences make us stronger, more creative lawyers for our clients because we approach challenges from the variety of perspectives borne out of our different life experiences. We foster an inclusive work environment – one free of discrimination of any kind – where all individuals can flourish and perform at the highest level. Our efforts focus on recruiting, training, retaining and promoting attorneys of all backgrounds. These efforts are reflected in all aspects of firm growth: in developing new and existing client relationships, serving in leadership roles and participating in our mentoring programs. We believe strongly in equal opportunity for all, regardless of background. Hughes Hubbard aims always to provide superior legal services. To do so, we seek and promote the best lawyers, who are drawn from the widest pool of applicants.
Affinity Groups
Our affinity groups foster community, mentorship and professional development, helping create an inclusive firm culture where diverse perspectives are valued and all attorneys can thrive. Participation in all affinity groups is open to all attorneys firmwide.
Groups include our Diversity Committee, Asian Attorney Affinity Group, Black Attorney Affinity Group, Latinx Attorney Affinity Group, Pride Attorney Affinity Group and Women’s Roundtable.
Committed
Inclusion matters.
Our firm's commitment to inclusion can be traced back to our founder, Charles Evans Hughes, campaigning for women's suffrage in his near-victory over Woodrow Wilson in the 1916 presidential race. In 1942, we broke ranks with other Wall Street firms in hiring the first female associate at a time when most of those firms did not even interview women. In 1969, we named as partner Amalya Kearse, the first Black female partner of any major New York firm. Kearse went on to become the second Black person to sit on the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. In 1999, Candace Beinecke became chair of Hughes Hubbard, making her the first woman to chair a major New York law firm.
Leadership
Our lawyers with varied backgrounds are in positions of influence throughout the firm, including office and practice leaders
Oversight
We carefully oversee all inclusivity efforts, including mentoring, recruiting, retention, outreach and affinity groups.
Support
Hughes Hubbard welcomes affinity groups for all backgrounds, including Black attorneys, Asian attorneys, Hispanic attorneys, working mothers, LGBT attorneys and our women’s roundtable. All are welcome and encouraged to attend affinity group meetings.
Mentoring
We have developed both formal and informal mentoring for all associates.
Outreach
We actively recruit law students of varied backgrounds, and offer a summer program where they can learn more about life at our firm and develop their career goals.
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