Susman Godfrey Thumbs Nose At The War On DEI

MAGA’s attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion has hit Biglaw particularly hard. Firms’ commitment to diversifying the profession were a featured part of Donald Trump’s unconstitutional Executive Orders targeting disfavored firms. Many major law firms have ended DEI resources, affinity groups, billing codes, scrubbed email signatures. and more to escape the wrath of the Trump administration. The EEOC launched investigations into 20 Biglaw firms over their DEI programs. It’s rough out there. But one firm is doubling down on their belief in the diversity and the greater good.

Susman Godfrey recently announced the deserving winners of this year’s Susman Godfrey Prize, given to first- and second-year law students of color who have demonstrated academic excellence and overall achievement. Given the smoke that DEI is getting right now, you might think the firm would be minimizing their efforts — if they even kept them alive at all. But Susman is taking a bold stance — increasing both the number of recipients from 20 to 25 and the value of the prize, from $3,500 to $4,000.

In statements about the award, the firm’s co-managing partners made statements highlighting the achievements of the recipients:

“In its fifth year, the Susman Godfrey Prize continues to champion law students of color who embody values of integrity, leadership, and academic excellence,” said Susman Godfrey Co-Managing Partner Kalpana Srinivasan. “This year’s recipients have demonstrated great potential for promising legal careers, and we hope this recognition serves as a helpful step forward in achieving their professional goals.”
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“The firm is honored to continue to award and recognize law students for their hard work and dedication to the legal profession,” adds Co-Managing Partner Vineet Bhatia.

But it’s also a statement that the firm will not be bullied or back down from a fight, especially not when they believe in the cause and the value of what they’re doing. No wonder Susman is taking Trump to court over the problematic EO targeting the firm — this is not a firm to be trifled with.

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