WilmerHale is the 2017 recipient of Dell's Legal Diversity Award, given annually to one of Dell's partner law firms that excels at embracing and promoting workplace diversity. The firm was selected based on its overall diversity and inclusion strategy, the critical role of its diversity programs and Women's Leadership Initiative, and key metrics related to recruiting, advancement and leadership. 

Richard Rothberg, Dell's general counsel, noted that WilmerHale dedicated itself to advancing diversity in the industry and the firm is one of the few AmLaw 200 firms that has had both a woman and a person of color as co-managing partners. He further noted that “WilmerHale's latest class of partners included 43 percent attorneys of color and 29 percent women. And the firm has instituted their version of the 'Mansfield Rule,' ensuring that their candidate pools include at least 30 percent diverse candidates.” This award also recognizes WilmerHale's commitment to strengthening the pipeline of diversity for the legal profession such as sponsoring scholarships for prep courses to help diverse rising-first-year law students prepare for law school, and supporting a high school legal outreach program in New York City focused on young women of color.  

"Our focus on diversity and inclusion has been important to the life of the firm, making WilmerHale a great place to work and helping us to bring the best talent to every case," said Cindy Vreeland, a WilmerHale partner who works closely with Dell. "We are honored to have a prominent client like Dell reinforce our efforts."

This award is the latest in a string of recognitions for the firm's diversity efforts, including the ChIPs Honor Roll Award, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Law Firm Diversity Award, and the Law360 Best Firms For Women And Minority Attorneys survey.

(Clockwise from top left: WilmerHale Partners Mark Fleming and Danielle Conley, Counsel Shirley Cantin, Partner Peter Dichiara, Dell General Counsel Richard Rothberg, Partners Rachel Kent, Debo Adegbile and Cindy Vreeland, Dell Legal Vice President Kelly Walton, Dell Legal Counsel Carrie Nie, and Dell Senior Legal Counsel, Patents Michele Connors.)