Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to helping increase diversity within the legal profession. Our initiatives are informed by three Guiding Principles: to foster a diverse and inclusive professional environment, to maintain diversity in our ranks, and to promote our culture in our relationship-building efforts.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Increasing diversity in the legal profession requires commitment, learning and the collective and individual will to act. At Kelley Drye, diversity and inclusion are core values, expressed in our approach to recruiting lawyers and staff, empowering them to thrive in their careers, and to creating a workplace where all members are safe, respected, heard, and valued.

Our attorneys and staff are essential to Kelley Drye’s success. The perspectives, life experiences, ideas, and talents that each person brings to the Kelley Drye community contribute to our Firm culture and to the exceptional service that we provide to our clients.

We welcome, value, and respect the diversity - in all the myriad ways it manifests - that makes each of our employees unique.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Kelley Drye’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee advances the work of three Guiding Principles―to foster a diverse, inclusive professional environment, maintain diversity in our ranks, and employ the firm’s culture and diversity in our business development and relationship-building efforts.

Comprised of attorneys from across the firm, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee meets regularly with Firm leadership and Kelley Drye’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion to develop and champion diversity and inclusion within the firm.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee Members

Diversity and Inclusion at Kelley Drye

Kelley Drye actively supports internal and external programs to increase diversity within the profession.

Kelley Drye Affinity Groups

Kelley Drye’s commitment to increasing diversity within the Firm is reflected in our affinity groups that provide community, opportunity, and resources for our attorneys, empowering them to thrive as they progress in their careers at Kelley Drye.

Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship

In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, Kelley Drye is proud to offer Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships to two outstanding rising second year law students. The Kelley Drye Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship includes a paid summer associate position in our New York and/or Washington D.C. offices following the second year of law school, and a $25,000 award paid in two installments as a signing bonus—one upon completion of the summer program and the second upon starting as a full time associate at the firm. The application period for the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship has opened, and we will review applications on a rolling basis. Interviews will be held virtually. Click here for more information.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm always has been, and continues to be, committed to providing equal opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment. It is therefore the policy of the Firm to hire, train and promote its employees and to administer all other employment policies without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, gender expression and gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, ancestry or national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religious affiliations, alienage, military or veteran status or on any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local laws.