Amend (Don’t End) DEI: What SHRM’s BEAM Framework Means for Law Firms

The information provided in this episode does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials included are for general informational purposes only.

Furia Rubel Communications recommends that any diversity, equity, and inclusion audits, changes, or discussions be made in conjunction with counsel, so that these discussions are privileged.

As law firms navigate scrutiny and shifting federal policies around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Elizabeth Catterall Ogilvie joins Jennifer Simpson Carr to unpack SHRM’s newly introduced BEAM Framework—Belonging Enhanced by Access through Merit.

They discuss how BEAM encourages organizations to evolve their inclusion efforts without abandoning them, emphasizing skills, access, and business alignment over identity-based preferences. The episode also highlights the growing importance of data-driven talent strategies, risk awareness under recent executive orders, and how law firms can audit internal programs using the five core BEAM questions.

Episode Highlights:

• From Panic to Purpose: Why recent executive orders don’t require abandoning diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and how BEAM offers a stable way forward.
• The Five BEAM Questions: A simple yet powerful framework to evaluate programs for fairness, accessibility, and alignment with business needs.
• Skills Over Subjectivity: How shifting to merit-based criteria in hiring, promotions, and talent development strengthens compliance.
• Risk, Reputations, and Realignment: What court rulings mean for law firm DEI practices.

Whether you’re leading human resources, managing firmwide DEI initiatives, or discussing your law firm’s risk and strategy, this episode offers the clarity law firm professionals need to move from reactive to proactive.

Resources:

SHRM’s BEAM Framework for Inclusion: Aligning Merit with Organizational Excellence: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/inclusion-diversity/shrms-beam-framework-for-inclusion-aligning-merit-with-organizational-excellence

Toolkit: Implementing SHRM’s BEAM Framework for Inclusion: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/tools/toolkits/beam-framework-toolkit

Navigating DEI Policy Shifts with SHRM’s BEAM Framework: https://www.shrm.org/enterprise-solutions/insights/navigating-dei-policy-shifts-shrms-beam-framework

Snyder v. United States: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-108_8n5a.pdf

Muldrow v. City of St. Louis: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/22-193_q86b.pdf

Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services: https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/ames-v-ohio-department-of-youth-services/

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/title-vii-civil-rights-act-1964

When DE&I Are Under Attack: https://www.furiarubel.com/podcasts/when-dei-are-under-attack/