MG+M has a true commitment to a diverse and inclusive legal profession, one that is not only reflected in the “numbers” but in the individuals that directly serve clients and the community, at large, says Partner and Women's Forum co-chair, Bernadette Catalana. “We recognize that having a broad perspective, informed by professionals of different backgrounds, is not only the right thing to do—it is the smart thing to do. Studies confirm over and over that diverse teams outperform non-diverse teams.” Focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging not only adds to a better world, in general, it is part of our pledge to provide MG+M clients with the best possible legal representation.
In keeping with these objectives, Bernadette is an active mentor to a number of diverse attorneys and regularly publishes Mentoring Moments on LinkedIn. She has taken a lead role in the support of women attorneys by writing, developing and presenting Candid Talk Women CLE programs across the country. Candid Talk Women is dedicated to encouraging women to opt-in to the practice of law.
Candid Talk Women fits perfectly with MG+M’s long-standing pledge to gender diversity. That commitment plays out on two distinct levels: recruitment and retention. Women will continue to be under-represented in law until there are consistent and widespread efforts to attract, and retain, women attorneys with the skill and experience to assume leadership positions. Those efforts are paying off—just this year MG+M was named a top law firm for female attorneys in Law360’s annual glass-ceiling report.