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Marketing the Law FirmFeaturesDiversityLaw Firm Marketing and Business Development

DEI As a Competitive Advantage

By Dr. Sharon Meit Abrahams and Melinda Hall Wieder
March 01, 2022

After the events of summer 2020, many firms offered Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) programming and training. These firms made concerted efforts to open dialogues and to do the right thing by providing a forum for personal growth and understanding. Unfortunately, a fair number of lawyers resist DEI training. They fail to understand the value and impact DEI training can have on their skills as an attorney. Research has shown that when individuals learn about others' experiences in the world and their cultural practices the more successful they will be in the work environment. This applies to the practice of law as well.

The following is an example of how understanding another person's life experience impacts how a practicing attorney can be a more effective advocate for their client. Melinda Hall Wieder defends clients in all types of car accidents. With her client's permission, this is her story about how understanding cultural and ethnic differences added value to her client's defense.

"In this particular case, on paper, it was a run-of-the-mill rear end accident. Everything pointed to my client being the one who caused the accident. From the police report citing my client for 'failing to keep proper distance,' the pictures showing rear end bumper damage to plaintiff's vehicle, and to plaintiff's own medical records where she reported being hit from behind. At first glance, liability was straight forward.

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