Leaders in Diversity

At Covington, we recognize that teams that include lawyers with a diverse range of perspectives and experiences will provide better client service. We have taken steps to identify the very best talent among the full range of lawyers in the profession since our earliest years, and lawyers from different backgrounds have succeeded and prospered at Covington for decades. We were leaders among larger law firms in electing our first woman partner (in 1974), first African American partner (1975), first Hispanic partner (1985), first openly gay partner (1989), and first Asian American partner (1995). We have continued this tradition through the years, recruiting and promoting lawyers of all backgrounds. We are committed to cultivating a diverse partnership from within our own ranks.

Our firm governance also reflects our commitment to diversity. Our efforts are focused on ensuring the firm’s leadership groups reflect the diversity of our firm.

While we are proud of the steps we already have taken, we understand that the job of promoting diversity is never complete. We strive not just to keep pace with our peers, but rather to lead by example and continue raising the bar for our entire profession. As such, we are constantly examining our progress, improving our efforts, and searching for new and challenging ways to create a more diverse and inclusive work environment.

2024 Firm Accolades

• The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index "Equality 100 Award"—Scored 100 on this national benchmarking survey and report that measures corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This is the 16th consecutive year Covington has received this recognition.
• Law.com International UK A-List—This list recognizes law firms based on factors including revenue per lawyer, pro bono commitment, associate satisfaction, racial diversity, and gender diversity (the percentage of equity partners who are women). Covington ranked 1st among the 20 firms listed in 2024.
• The American Lawyer A-List—This list recognizes law firms based on factors including financial performance, pro bono commitment, associate satisfaction, and representation of women and racial/ethnic minority lawyers.  
• Seramount's Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity—This list recognizes law firms that utilize best practices in recruiting, retaining, promoting, and developing women lawyers and lawyers from underrepresented groups. Covington has ranked among Seramount's top 50 firms for the past three years.
• Law360 Pulse Social Impact Leaders—This ranking measures firms' efforts across five pillars: racial and ethnic diversity, gender equality, employee engagement, pro bono service and responsible business practices. Covington ranked 1st among the 100 largest law firms.
• Law360 Pulse 2024 Diversity Snapshot—Covington ranked 19th among firms with 600+ lawyers based on representation of attorneys who identify as racial/ethnic minorities.
• The Diversity Lab "Mansfield Rule Certification Plus"—Built on a framework that is evidence-based and data-driven, the Mansfield certification process is designed to ensure all talent at participating law firms and legal departments has a fair and equal opportunity to advance into leadership. To achieve Mansfield Certification Plus status, women, racial/ethnic minority lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities must represent at least 30 percent of firm leadership roles, committee positions, equity partner promotions, and formal client pitch opportunities. Covington has achieved “Mansfield Certification Plus” for eight consecutive years.
• Microsoft—Recognized Covington for exceptional performance in its Law Firm Diversity Program at the organization’s annual Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) Summit.
• Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF)—Gold Standard Certification Award—Covington earned Gold Standard Certification in the U.S. and UK based on our actions to integrate women into equity partnership and top firm leadership positions.