Economic Incentives for Diversity

Diversity and inclusion are laudable goals, but how can change be created in an industry driven by tradition and financial return? This interview explores the concept of using economic incentives and data to encourage diversity within the legal profession. The conversation also explores controversial topics such as diversity spin, partner compensation, and the impact on the legal profession of changes to affirmative action law currently being considered at the Supreme Court.  

Aviva Will is the Co-Chief Operating Officer at Burford Capital and one of the architects behind Burford’s Equity Project (a $150,000,000 fund allocated exclusively for women and minority litigators). Keith Harrison is a partner and co-chair of Crowell & Moring’s Litigation Group and a member of the firm's Diversity Council. Aviva and Keith sit down with Joel to discuss putting money on the line to overcome inherent biases and structural disadvantages and to encourage, maintain, and grow diversity in the profession of law. 

(Credits: 0.5 Implicit Bias & Bias Reducing Strategies MCLE)