Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our firm-wide DEI Committee, co-chaired by Maile Hitomi Solís and Jeremy R. Heckman, currently consists of attorneys across all levels and areas of practice. The committee meets quarterly and is constantly looking at new initiatives and ways they can be implemented firmwide.
Midsize Mansfield Rule
BFKN is proud to have achieved Midsize Mansfield Rule Certification Plus in 2023 and 2024. The Mansfield Rule, an initiative from Diversity Lab, encourages the design and implementation of practices and processes that will better ensure our paths to leadership are open and transparent to all qualified attorneys. BFKN remains dedicated to broadening its network for recruiting highly qualified candidates in the legal profession.
Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) is an organization of more than 400 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners—the leadership of the profession—who are committed to creating an environment where all talent can thrive. Launched in 2011, LCLD's landmark Fellows Program is designed for high-potential, mid-career attorneys at LCLD member organizations to have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and build meaningful relationships within the legal profession. The goal of the program is to provide fellows with professional and personal development opportunities, leadership training, relationship-building, and access to other LCLD members. In February 2025, BFKN partner Abdul R. Mitha was named an LCLD Fellow.
Launched in 2015, the LCLD Pathfinders Program was created to level opportunities for learning and support for high-potential, early-career attorneys who have shown promising leadership potential. The program provides these attorneys the opportunity to learn from top leaders in the legal profession while gaining foundational leadership skills and relationship-building resources. In February 2025, BFKN associates Audrey Springer-Wilson and Zoe Xiuha Uvin were named LCLD Pathfinders.
Carmel I. Dooling, who was an LCLD Pathfinder in 2024, remains part of the LCLD community within the Alumni network, which includes more than 6,000 attorneys who benefit from ongoing access to leadership development, business training, peer-to-peer mentoring, and relationship-building opportunities.
Mission Statement
BFKN is committed to the establishment, maintenance, and growth of a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are respected and intentionally valued through the implementation of initiatives and programs that encourage collaboration and connection. We strive to attract the most qualified professionals from all backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities and to create a rewarding and inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued, appreciated, and have the opportunity to grow and advance their careers. BFKN’s DEI Committee oversees focused reviews of the firm’s policies and procedures, its participation in and implementation of the Midsized Mansfield Rule program, diversity, equity, and inclusion training, and holistic recruiting procedures on an ongoing and forward-looking basis.