Law Firm ERGs Under Scrutiny: Navigating Compliance, Risk, and Culture

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.

Many law firm leaders are asking how they can maintain a culture of inclusion while complying with evolving regulations and executive orders.

In this episode, Sarah Larson and Elizabeth Ogilvie join Jennifer Simpson Carr to discuss the concerns surrounding Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs following several recent executive orders specifically targeting these and similar initiatives. They discuss the history and evolution of ERGs, the business case for their continued existence, and why thoughtful policy design and communication are more important than ever.

This conversation offers practical steps for law firm leaders to protect their programs and maintain their commitment to inclusion, from reviewing their ERG structure through a legal lens to implementing the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) BEAM Framework.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding the Risks: How legal and political shifts are impacting ERGs and what law firm leaders need to know.
• Compliance Meets Culture: Why legal reviews, communication, and documentation are critical for protecting ERGs.
• The BEAM Framework: How to align your law firm programs with SHRM’s merit-based framework for long-term sustainability.
• Practical Policy Tips: How to make ERGs a true asset to your firm.
• Beyond Labels: How ERGs can promote knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and career advancement for all employees.

Whether you’re leading a firm or supporting its culture and compliance efforts, this episode offers essential guidance for navigating the challenges and opportunities of ERGs.

Resources:

• Amend (Don’t End) DEI: What SHRM’s BEAM Framework Means for Law Firms: https://www.furiarubel.com/podcasts/amend-dont-end-dei-what-shrms-beam-framework-means-for-law-firms/
• Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone to Grow with David Hubbard, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Verizon: https://www.furiarubel.com/podcasts/stepping-outside-of-your-comfort-zone-to-grow-with-david-hubbard-vice-president-and-deputy-general-counsel-at-verizon/
• 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