MCCA SCORECARD
Empowering legal departments and law firms the ability to measure, monitor, and improve diversity performance through data analytics.
MCCA developed the Scorecard with a mission to enable legal departments and law firms to understand, monitor and measure diversity performance and progress. Designed and built with both legal departments and law firms in mind, the Scorecard harnesses law firm survey data collected since 2007. It is the first-ever data set and ranking for the legal industry, that gathers insights about law firm demographics, leadership composition and the hiring, retention, and promotion of lawyers who identify with an underrepresented demographic.
The Scorecard offers legal departments the ability to confidently evaluate outside counsel with objective data, helpful data insights into true diversity performance, and analysis of multiple firms at once – without the need for additional resource allocation. The Scorecard offers law firms access to tangible metrics that can help identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening DEI efforts, building competitive advantage, and developing policies that create impact and results.
MCCA developed the Scorecard with a mission to enable legal departments and law firms to understand, monitor and measure diversity performance and progress. Designed and built with both legal departments and law firms in mind, the Scorecard harnesses law firm survey data collected since 2007 with over 25 years of MCCA research. It is the first-ever data set and ranking for the legal industry, that gathers insights about law firm demographics, leadership composition and the hiring, retention, and promotion of lawyers who identify with an underrepresented demographic.
The Scorecard offers legal departments the ability to confidently evaluate outside counsel with objective data, helpful data insights into true diversity performance, and analysis of multiple firms at once – without the need for additional resource allocation. The Scorecard offers law firms access to tangible metrics that can help identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening DEI efforts, building competitive advantage, and developing policies that create impact and results.
MCCA developed the Scorecard with a mission to enable legal departments and law firms to understand, monitor and measure diversity performance and progress. Designed and built with both legal departments and law firms in mind, the Scorecard harnesses law firm survey data collected since 2007 with over 25 years of MCCA research. It is the first-ever data set and ranking for the legal industry, that gathers insights about law firm demographics, leadership composition and the hiring, retention, and promotion of lawyers who identify with an underrepresented demographic.
The Scorecard offers legal departments the ability to confidently evaluate outside counsel with objective data, helpful data insights into true diversity performance, and analysis of multiple firms at once – without the need for additional resource allocation. The Scorecard offers law firms access to tangible metrics that can help identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening DEI efforts, building competitive advantage, and developing policies that create impact and results.
METHODOLOGY
MCCA’s methodology for producing the Scorecard involved assessments of participating law firms against MCCA’s own Law Firm Diversity Database, aggregated from its annual Law Firm Diversity Survey (Survey). Subject to the accuracy and completeness of the data self-submitted by each law firm in response to the Survey, a rigorous methodology was applied. Components that were not considered applicable to a law firm, or for which no data was obtained through the response of the law firm, were not included in a law firm’s overall score. This was done to ensure that the methodology reflects the realities of all law firms’ demographics, recruitment, retention and promotion – not a one size fits all approach.
The Scorecard is organized into Categories, Elements, and Key Components. There are four categories (1) Demographics, (2) Recruitment, (3) Attrition, and (4) Promotion relevant to each law firm’s DEI practices. Each category has three elements (1) Profile, (2) Trends and (3) Key Components.
Key Components differ per category and represent a law firm’s percentile ranking of the representation of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, gender and LBGTQ+ per level and the overall disclosure of DEI data versus firms of a similar size. There are 26 components total. These components are scored individually before they are combined into their respective categorical score and percentile. The Key Components were assessed for each stage of a typical lawyer’s career at a law firm, including summer associate, associate, of counsel, non-equity partner (if applicable), equity partner.
The lawyers were categorized according to gender, race/ethnicity (African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, Multiracial, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and White/Caucasian), LGBTQ+ and disabilities as recognized under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Firms were divided into five groups based on the size of the firm: 1) up to 50 lawyers; 2) 51-100 lawyers; 3) 101-250 lawyers; 4) 251-500 lawyers; and 5) more than 501 lawyers. Firms are compared to other firms of similar size and to the industry as a whole.
MCCA’s methodology for producing the Scorecard involved assessments of participating law firms against MCCA’s own Law Firm Diversity Database, aggregated from its annual Law Firm Diversity Survey (Survey). Subject to the accuracy and completeness of the data self-submitted by each law firm in response to the Survey, a rigorous methodology was applied. Components that were not considered applicable to a law firm, or for which no data was obtained through the response of the law firm, were not included in a law firm’s overall score. This was done to ensure that the methodology reflects the realities of all law firms’ demographics, recruitment, retention and promotion – not a one size fits all approach.
The Scorecard is organized into Categories, Elements, and Key Components. There are four categories (1) Demographics, (2) Recruitment, (3) Attrition, and (4) Promotion relevant to each law firm’s DEI practices. Each category has three elements (1) Profile, (2) Trends and (3) Key Components.
Key Components differ per category and represent a law firm’s percentile ranking of the representation of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, gender and LBGTQ+ per level and the overall disclosure of DEI data versus firms of a similar size. There are 26 components total. These components are scored individually before they are combined into their respective categorical score and percentile. The Key Components were assessed for each stage of a typical lawyer’s career at a law firm, including summer associate, associate, of counsel, non-equity partner (if applicable), equity partner.
The lawyers were categorized according to gender, race/ethnicity (African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, Multiracial, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and White/Caucasian), LGBTQ+ and disabilities as recognized under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Firms were divided into five groups based on the size of the firm: 1) up to 50 lawyers; 2) 51-100 lawyers; 3) 101-250 lawyers; 4) 251-500 lawyers; and 5) more than 501 lawyers. Firms are compared to other firms of similar size and to the industry as a whole.
MCCA’s methodology for producing the Scorecard involved assessments of participating law firms against MCCA’s own Law Firm Diversity Database, aggregated from its annual Law Firm Diversity Survey (Survey). Subject to the accuracy and completeness of the data self-submitted by each law firm in response to the Survey, a rigorous methodology was applied. Components that were not considered applicable to a law firm, or for which no data was obtained through the response of the law firm, were not included in a law firm’s overall score. This was done to ensure that the methodology reflects the realities of all law firms’ demographics, recruitment, retention and promotion – not a one size fits all approach.
The Scorecard is organized into Categories, Elements, and Key Components. There are four categories (1) Demographics, (2) Recruitment, (3) Attrition, and (4) Promotion relevant to each law firm’s DEI practices. Each category has three elements (1) Profile, (2) Trends and (3) Key Components.
Key Components differ per category and represent a law firm’s percentile ranking of the representation of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, gender and LBGTQ+ per level and the overall disclosure of DEI data versus firms of a similar size. There are 26 components total. These components are scored individually before they are combined into their respective categorical score and percentile. The Key Components were assessed for each stage of a typical lawyer’s career at a law firm, including summer associate, associate, of counsel, non-equity partner (if applicable), equity partner.
The lawyers were categorized according to gender, race/ethnicity (African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, Multiracial, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and White/Caucasian), LGBTQ+ and disabilities as recognized under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Firms were divided into five groups based on the size of the firm: 1) up to 50 lawyers; 2) 51-100 lawyers; 3) 101-250 lawyers; 4) 251-500 lawyers; and 5) more than 501 lawyers. Firms are compared to other firms of similar size and to the industry as a whole.
RESOURCES & FAQS
MCCA RESOURCES
MCCA has compiled a list of resources to complement the Scorecard metrics. These areas present the most opportunity to improve DEI performance and outcomes in the areas of recruitment, retention, and performance. MCCA members can access the enhanced Bias Interrupters Tools and the Strategy, Best Practices and Data Assessment Tools via the MCCA Member Portal.
Bias Interrupters Tools:
- Interrupting Bias in Assignments
- Interrupting Bias in Compensation
- Interrupting Bias in Hiring & Recruiting
- Interrupting Bias in Performance Evaluations
- Interrupting Bias in Sponsorship & Promotion
- Interrupting Bias in Mentorship
Strategy, Best Practices and Data Assessment Tools and Research:
- Developing an Effective and Sustainable DEI Strategic Plan
- Legal Department Template for DEI Strategy
- Outside Counsel Diversity Guidelines and RFP Questionnaire Best Practices
- Metrics for Success: Measurement in Diversity Initiatives
Leadership Development Experiences:
- Hiring with Intention: Interrupting Bias in Hiring & Recruiting (2-hour virtual workshop)
- Equity Track Program
- C-Suite Leadership Program
MCCA SCORECARD FAQS
ABOUT THE SCORECARD (GENERAL OVERVIEW)
What is the MCCA Scorecard?
MCCA’s Scorecard is an objective data-driven scoring and ranking system that empowers law firms with data insights to help identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening DEI efforts, build competitive advantage, and develop policies that create impact and results.
Why did MCCA create the Scorecard?
This Scorecard is in response to general counsel requests for the development of a transparent industry benchmark to better evaluate outside counsel diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) metrics and performance. It is a tool to advance DEI in recruitment, retention, and promotion of attorneys, including attorneys who identify with an underrepresented demographic.
What are the main objectives of the Scorecard?
Provide comparative information on law firms’ DEI Disclosure, Commitment, and Performance using an objective methodology.
Leverage longitudinal data to identify any trends in the representation of people who identify with an underrepresented demographic.
Offer leaders benchmarks and comparison tools/metrics to help them compare the current state of their firm to their peers and assist them with the decision of implementing more effective DEI strategies.
What data was used for the Scorecard?
The Scorecards were generated using data collected from the MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey (the “Survey”).
Methodology
MCCA’s Scorecard methodology assesses participating law firms against MCCA’s own Law Firm Diversity Database, aggregated from its annual Law Firm Diversity Survey (Survey). Subject to the accuracy and completeness of the data self-submitted by the law firm in response to the Survey, a rigorous methodology was applied. Components that were not considered applicable to a law firm or for which no data was obtained through the response of the law firm to the Survey were not included in a law firm’s overall score. This was done to ensure that the methodology reflects the realities of all law firms’ demographics, recruitment, retention, and promotion and is not a one size fits all approach.
Data Organization: The Scorecard is organized into Categories, Elements, and Key Components:
- i. Categories: There are four categories (1) Demographics, (2) Recruitment, (3) Attrition, and (4) Promotion relevant to the law firm’s DEI practices.
- ii. Elements: Each category has three elements (1) Profile, (2) Trends, and (3) Key Components.
Key Components: Key Components differ per category and represent a law firm’s percentile ranking of the representation of underrepresented racial & ethnic groups, gender and LBGTQ+ per level, and the overall disclosure of DEI data versus firms of a similar size. There are twenty-six components in total. These components are scored individually before they are combined into their respective categorical score and percentile.
The Key Components were assessed for each of the five levels:
- Summer Associates
- Associate
- Of Counsel
- Non-Equity Partners (if applicable)
- Equity Partners
Firms are compared to other firms of similar size and to the industry as a whole.
The lawyers were categorized according to:
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity (African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, Multiracial, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and White/Caucasian).
- Sexual orientation
- Disabilities as recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Firms were divided into five groups based on the size of the firm:
- Up to 50 lawyers
- 51-100 lawyers
- 101-250 lawyers
- 251-500 lawyers
- More than 501 lawyers
Executive Summary vs. Scorecard Report
Will all participating firms receive the Executive Summary(ies) gratis as part of their survey participation?
Yes, any law firm that participated in the 2020-2024 MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey will receive an executive summary report for 2020-2024 respectively. The list of 2020-2024 Law Firm Diversity Survey participants can be found here.
SCORECARD – LAW FIRM FAQS
Do I have to be a member to receive the full Scorecard report(s)? How does our firm request our executive summary(ies) and/or Scorecard report(s)?
Law firm members, Levels I-V, will receive the 2020-2024 Scorecard(s) as part of their MCCA membership benefits as well as a 30-minute consultation with the MCCA leadership team. To request executive summary(ies) and Scorecard(s), email membership@mcca.com.
Law firm members, Level VI-VII, will pay a discounted membership rate for their Scorecard(s). To confirm membership level and request executive summary(ies) and Scorecard(s), email membership@mcca.com.
Is my firm an MCCA member?
i. Please click here to verify if your firm is an MCCA member.
How to become an MCCA member.
i. To learn more about MCCA membership, please click here.
How can we request our firm’s Scorecard?
Non-members may purchase their Scorecard(s) (2020-2024). Please contact MAP@mcca.com to learn more and request your executive summary(ies) and full Scorecard report(s).
Who will have access to our firm’s executive summary(ies) and Scorecard(s)?
Only your firm will have access to your firm’s executive summary(ies) and Scorecard(s).
Will our firm be able to correct our data if we believe it is incorrect in the Scorecard?
Yes, if you believe the data submitted via the 2020-2024 Law Firm Diversity Survey was incorrect, please email education@mcca.com.
How do we improve our firm scores?
All Firms regardless of MCCA membership can improve their scores by beginning to examine their business systems and mitigate the negative impact of systemic bias by utilizing the Bias Interrupters toolkits developed via our study, You Can’t Change What You Can’t See. To access the Executive Summary and the published toolkits click here.
MCCA law firm members have access to more robust Bias Interrupters toolkits and Roadmaps to Success via the MCCA Member Portal. To request your firm’s MCCA Member Portal log-in please contact membership@mcca.com.
SCORECARD – LEGAL DEPARTMENT QUESTIONS
How do we support the Scorecard and become “signatory”?
You can become a signatory by contacting MCCA at MAP@mcca.com to express your support and also agree to ask your firms to provide their MCCA Scorecard and use their data in the Scorecard as a metric in your evaluation of how firms are progressing in their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts; and use it as an industry standard to evaluate law firms’ DEI.
How do we request our outside counsels’ Scorecards?
Contact your outside counsel and request their MCCA Scorecard. Any firm that completed the 2020-2024 MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey will have a Scorecard. The list of 2020-2024 Law Firm Diversity Survey participants can be found here.
Do we need to be an MCCA member to request our outside counsels’ Scorecards?
No
How do we ask our outside counsel to take the MCCA Survey so they can have a Scorecard next year?
Please contact MCCA at MAP@mcca.com and we will provide you an email template and outreach plan.
MCCA LAW FIRM DIVERSITY DATABASE
About the Database
The MCCA Law Firm Diversity Database (“Database”), created by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), provides statistics and other crucial information on diversity at more than 225 law firms nationwide.
Compiled from responses to the annual MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey, the Database contains valuable benchmarking information about diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) at participating firms. Entries include quantitative data on the numbers of attorneys who are underrepresented in racial and ethnic groups, women, LGBTQ+, or attorneys with disabilities, as well as qualitative information regarding firms’ DEI strategies and programs. Through this online tool, users can make side-by-side comparisons of diversity metrics, gauge firms’ progress over the years, and measure their performance against industry-wide benchmarks. The Database also includes access to firms’ complete, self-reported survey responses, to present a comprehensive picture of the diversity commitment and programs at each participating law firm. This edition of this Database includes complete survey data since 2007.
When will the new MCCA Database be available?
The new Database launched March 2022.
What is different about the new Database?
The new Database will allow the user to review aggregate data, export via Excel, view graphical representations of the data, and track multiple law firm data simultaneously.
What happened to the previous Vault/MCCA Database?
The previous version of the MCCA/Vault law firm Database was decommissioned in August 2021 and is no longer available.
Will law firm Scorecards be available in the Database?
No, Scorecards will not be available in the Database. MCCA only shares Scorecards with the respective law firm.
Who will have access to data via the Database?
The general public will have the ability to register and have access to aggregated industry data. This includes law students who are preparing for OCI.
Non-member law firms that participated in the MCCA Law Firm Diversity Surveys will only have access to aggregated industry data at this time. We have a scheduled fall 2022 update that will allow non-member law firm survey participants to access their specific firm data. At this time, non-member law firms will only have access to the aggregated industry data.
MCCA members (law firms and corporate legal departments) will have access to aggregated industry data and law firm-specific data for any firm that has participated in the Survey from 2007 onward.
How can I register for the Database?
MCCA Members receive full access to the Database as a membership benefit and must register utilizing their work email address to receive membership access to the Database. The Database will recognize the email address domain name and allow full access to the Database features and the full set of data.
Non-members may also register for the Database to review industry aggregated data but will not have access to the full set of data.
Please click below to verify if your organization is an MCCA member:
How do I use the Database?
Once registered and logged in, be sure to download and read the “User Guide” on the Announcements page. The guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to make the most use of the Database such as:
- Accessing & navigating the interactive dashboards
- How to filter data
- Exporting data
- And much more!
If you have any questions regarding the survey data, please contact MCCA at education@mcca.com and for technical support contact Vault Consulting at support@vaultconsulting.com.
Which tools are available on the Database?
The new Database offers more features than ever—added dashboards, a trends analysis, and tools to more easily compare progress across firms. Members and non-members can explore over a decade of data provided by over 225 firms. Log in today to explore the following:
Quantitative Data Tables
- Key Statistics
- Aggregate Table
- Table by Firm*
- Table by Firm Size
- Table by Attorney Group
Quantitative Data Charts
- Trend by Firm*
- Trend by Racial/Ethnic Group
- Trend by Gender
- Attorney Category Composition
Qualitative Data
- Law Firm Diversity Initiatives
*Available only to MCCA Members
LEARN MORE & JOIN THE MCCA COMMUNITY
MCCA RESOURCES
MCCA has compiled a list of resources to complement the Scorecard metrics. These areas present the most opportunity to improve DEI performance and outcomes in the areas of recruitment, retention, and performance. MCCA members can access the enhanced Bias Interrupters Tools and the Strategy, Best Practices and Data Assessment Tools via the MCCA Member Portal.
Bias Interrupters Tools:
- Interrupting Bias in Assignments
- Interrupting Bias in Compensation
- Interrupting Bias in Hiring & Recruiting
- Interrupting Bias in Performance Evaluations
- Interrupting Bias in Sponsorship & Promotion
- Interrupting Bias in Mentorship
Strategy, Best Practices and Data Assessment Tools and Research:
- Developing an Effective and Sustainable DEI Strategic Plan
- Legal Department Template for DEI Strategy
- Outside Counsel Diversity Guidelines and RFP Questionnaire Best Practices
- Metrics for Success: Measurement in Diversity Initiatives
Leadership Development Experiences:
Hiring with Intention: Interrupting Bias in Hiring & Recruiting (2-hour virtual workshop)
MCCA SCORECARD FAQS
ABOUT THE SCORECARD (GENERAL OVERVIEW)
What is the MCCA Scorecard?
MCCA’s Scorecard is an objective data-driven scoring and ranking system that empowers law firms with data insights to help identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening DEI efforts, build competitive advantage, and develop policies that create impact and results.
Why did MCCA create the Scorecard?
This Scorecard is in response to general counsel requests for the development of a transparent industry benchmark to better evaluate outside counsel diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) metrics and performance. It is a tool to advance DEI in recruitment, retention, and promotion of attorneys, including attorneys who identify with an underrepresented demographic.
What are the main objectives of the Scorecard?
Provide comparative information on law firms’ DEI Disclosure, Commitment, and Performance using an objective methodology.
Leverage longitudinal data to identify any trends in the representation of people who identify with an underrepresented demographic.
Offer leaders benchmarks and comparison tools/metrics to help them compare the current state of their firm to their peers and assist them with the decision of implementing more effective DEI strategies.
What data was used for the Scorecard?
The Scorecards were generated using data collected from the MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey (the “Survey”).
Methodology
MCCA’s Scorecard methodology assesses participating law firms against MCCA’s own Law Firm Diversity Database, aggregated from its annual Law Firm Diversity Survey (Survey). Subject to the accuracy and completeness of the data self-submitted by the law firm in response to the Survey, a rigorous methodology was applied. Components that were not considered applicable to a law firm or for which no data was obtained through the response of the law firm to the Survey were not included in a law firm’s overall score. This was done to ensure that the methodology reflects the realities of all law firms’ demographics, recruitment, retention and promotion and is not a one size fits all approach.
Data Organization: The scorecard is organized into Categories, Elements, and Key Components:
- i. Categories: There are four categories (1) Demographics, (2) Recruitment, (3) Attrition, and (4) Promotion relevant to the law firm’s DEI practices.
- ii. Elements: Each category has three elements (1) Profile, (2) Trends and (3) Key Components.
Key Components: Key Components differ per category and represent a law firm’s percentile ranking of the representation of underrepresented racial & ethnic groups, gender and LBGTQ+ per level and the overall disclosure of DEI data versus firms of a similar size. There are twenty-six components in total. These components are scored individually before they are combined into their respective categorical score and percentile.
The Key Components were assessed for each of the five levels:
- Summer Associates
- Associate
- Of Counsel
- Non-Equity Partners (if applicable)
- Equity Partners
Firms are compared to other firms of similar size and to the industry as a whole.
The lawyers were categorized according to:
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity (African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, Multiracial, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and White/Caucasian).
- Sexual orientation
- Disabilities as recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Firms were divided into five groups based on the size of the firm:
- Up to 50 lawyers
- 51-100 lawyers
- 101-250 lawyers
- 251-500 lawyers
- More than 501 lawyers
Executive Summary vs. Scorecard Report
Will all participating firms receive the Executive Summary(ies) gratis as part of their survey participation?
Yes, any law firm that participated in the 2020-2024 MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey will receive an executive summary report for 2020-2024 respectively. The list of 2020-2024 Law Firm Diversity Survey participants can be found here.
SCORECARD – LAW FIRM FAQS
Do I have to be a member to receive the full scorecard report(s)? How does our firm request our executive summary(ies) and/or scorecard report(s)?
Law firm members, Levels I-V, will receive the 2020-2024 Scorecard(s) as part of their MCCA membership benefits as well as a 30-minute consultation with the MCCA leadership team. To request executive summary(ies) and scorecard(s), email membership@mcca.com.
Law firm members, Level VI-VII, will pay a discounted membership rate for their scorecard(s). To confirm membership level and request executive summary(ies) and scorecard(s), email membership@mcca.com.
Is my firm an MCCA member?
i. Please click here to verify if your firm is an MCCA member.
How to become an MCCA member.
i. To learn more about MCCA membership, please click here.
How can we request our firm’s scorecard?
Non-members may purchase their scorecard(s) (2020-2024). Please contact MAP@mcca.com to learn more and request your executive summary(ies) and full scorecard report(s).
Who will have access to our firm’s executive summary(ies) and scorecard(s)?
Only your firm will have access to your firm’s executive summary(ies) and scorecard(s).
Will our firm be able to correct our data if we believe it is incorrect in the scorecard?
Yes, if you believe the data submitted via the 2020-2024 Law Firm Diversity Survey was incorrect, please email education@mcca.com.
How do we improve our firm scores?
All Firms regardless of MCCA membership can improve their scores by beginning to examine their business systems and mitigate the negative impact of systemic bias by utilizing the Bias Interrupters toolkits developed via our study, You Can’t Change What You Can’t See. To access the Executive Summary and the published toolkits click here.
MCCA law firm members have access to more robust Bias Interrupters toolkits and Roadmaps to Success via the MCCA Member Portal. To request your firm’s MCCA Member Portal log-in please contact membership@mcca.com.
SCORECARD – LEGAL DEPARTMENT QUESTIONS
How do we support the Scorecard and become “signatory”?
You can become a signatory by contacting MCCA at MAP@mcca.com to express your support and also agree to ask your firms to provide their MCCA Scorecard and use their data in the Scorecard as a metric in your evaluation of how firms are progressing in their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts; and use it as an industry standard to evaluate law firms’ DEI.
How do we request our outside counsels’ Scorecards?
Contact your outside counsel and request their MCCA Scorecard. Any firm that completed the 2020-2024 MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey will have a Scorecard. The list of 2020-2024 Law Firm Diversity Survey participants can be found here.
Do we need to be an MCCA member to request our outside counsels’ Scorecards?
No
How do we ask our outside counsel to take the MCCA Survey so they can have a Scorecard next year?
Please contact MCCA at MAP@mcca.com and we will provide you an email template and outreach plan.
MCCA LAW FIRM DIVERSITY DATABASE
About the Database
The MCCA Law Firm Diversity Database (“Database”), created by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), provides statistics and other crucial information on diversity at more than 225 law firms nationwide.
Compiled from responses to the annual MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey, the Database contains valuable benchmarking information about diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) at participating firms. Entries include quantitative data on the numbers of attorneys who are underrepresented in racial and ethnic groups, women, LGBTQ+, or attorneys with disabilities, as well as qualitative information regarding firms’ DEI strategies and programs. Through this online tool, users can make side-by-side comparisons of diversity metrics, gauge firms’ progress over the years, and measure their performance against industry-wide benchmarks. The Database also includes access to firms’ complete, self-reported survey responses, to present a comprehensive picture of the diversity commitment and programs at each participating law firm. This edition of this Database includes complete survey data since 2007.
When will the new MCCA Database be available?
The new Database launched March 2022.
What is different about the new Database?
The new Database will allow the user to review aggregate data, export via Excel, view graphical representations of the data, and track multiple law firm data simultaneously.
What happened to the previous Vault/MCCA Database?
The previous version of the MCCA/Vault law firm Database was decommissioned in August 2021 and is no longer available.
Will law firm Scorecards be available in the Database?
No, Scorecards will not be available in the Database. MCCA only shares Scorecards with the respective law firm.
Who will have access to data via the Database?
The general public will have the ability to register and have access to aggregated industry data. This includes law students who are preparing for OCI.
Non-member law firms that participated in the MCCA Law Firm Diversity Surveys will only have access to aggregated industry data at this time. We have a scheduled fall 2022 update that will allow non-member law firm survey participants to access their specific firm data. At this time, non-member law firms will only have access to the aggregated industry data.
MCCA members (law firms and corporate legal departments) will have access to aggregated industry data and law firm-specific data for any firm that has participated in the Survey from 2007 onward.
How can I register for the Database?
MCCA Members receive full access to the Database as a membership benefit and must register utilizing their work email address to receive membership access to the Database. The Database will recognize the email address domain name and allow full access to the Database features and the full set of data.
Non-members may also register for the Database to review industry aggregated data but will not have access to the full set of data.
Please click below to verify if your organization is an MCCA member:
How do I use the Database?
Once registered and logged in, be sure to download and read the “User Guide” on the Announcements page. The guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to make the most use of the Diversity Database such as:
- Accessing & navigating the interactive dashboards
- How to filter data
- Exporting data
- And much more!
If you have any questions regarding the survey data, please contact MCCA at education@mcca.com and for technical support contact Vault Consulting at support@vaultconsulting.com.
Which tools are available on the Database?
The new Database offers more features than ever—added dashboards, a trends analysis, and tools to more easily compare progress across firms. Members and non-members can explore over a decade of data provided by over 225 firms. Log in today to explore the following:
Quantitative Data Tables
- Key Statistics
- Aggregate Table
- Table by Firm*
- Table by Firm Size
- Table by Attorney Group
Quantitative Data Charts
- Trend by Firm*
- Trend by Racial/Ethnic Group
- Trend by Gender
- Attorney Category Composition
Qualitative Data
- Law Firm Diversity Initiatives
*Available only to MCCA Members
LEARN MORE & JOIN THE MCCA COMMUNITY
MCCA RESOURCES
MCCA has compiled a list of resources to complement the Scorecard metrics. These areas present the most opportunity to improve DEI performance and outcomes in the areas of recruitment, retention, and performance. MCCA members can access the enhanced Bias Interrupters Tools and the Strategy, Best Practices and Data Assessment Tools via the MCCA Member Portal.
Bias Interrupters Tools:
- Interrupting Bias in Assignments
- Interrupting Bias in Compensation
- Interrupting Bias in Hiring & Recruiting
- Interrupting Bias in Performance Evaluations
- Interrupting Bias in Sponsorship & Promotion
- Interrupting Bias in Mentorship
Strategy, Best Practices and Data Assessment Tools and Research:
- Developing an Effective and Sustainable DEI Strategic Plan
- Legal Department Template for DEI Strategy
- Outside Counsel Diversity Guidelines and RFP Questionnaire Best Practices
- Metrics for Success: Measurement in Diversity Initiatives
Leadership Development Experiences:
Hiring with Intention: Interrupting Bias in Hiring & Recruiting (2-hour virtual workshop)
MCCA SCORECARD FAQS
ABOUT THE SCORECARD
(GENERAL OVERVIEW)
What is the MCCA Scorecard?
MCCA’s Scorecard is an objective data-driven scoring and ranking system that empowers law firms with data insights to help identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening DEI efforts, build competitive advantage, and develop policies that create impact and results.
Why did MCCA create the Scorecard?
This Scorecard is in response to general counsel requests for the development of a transparent industry benchmark to better evaluate outside counsel diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) metrics and performance. It is a tool to advance DEI in recruitment, retention, and promotion of attorneys, including attorneys who identify with an underrepresented demographic.
What are the main objectives of the Scorecard?
Provide comparative information on law firms’ DEI Disclosure, Commitment, and Performance using an objective methodology.
Leverage longitudinal data to identify any trends in the representation of people who identify with an underrepresented demographic.
Offer leaders benchmarks and comparison tools/metrics to help them compare the current state of their firm to their peers and assist them with the decision of implementing more effective DEI strategies.
What data was used for the Scorecard?
The Scorecards were generated using data collected from the MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey (the “Survey”).
Methodology
MCCA’s Scorecard methodology assesses participating law firms against MCCA’s own Law Firm Diversity Database, aggregated from its annual Law Firm Diversity Survey (Survey). Subject to the accuracy and completeness of the data self-submitted by the law firm in response to the Survey, a rigorous methodology was applied. Components that were not considered applicable to a law firm or for which no data was obtained through the response of the law firm to the Survey were not included in a law firm’s overall score. This was done to ensure that the methodology reflects the realities of all law firms’ demographics, recruitment, retention, and promotion and is not a one size fits all approach.
Data Organization: The scorecard is organized into Categories, Elements, and Key Components:
- i. Categories: There are four categories (1) Demographics, (2) Recruitment, (3) Attrition, and (4) Promotion relevant to the law firm’s DEI practices.
- ii. Elements: Each category has three elements (1) Profile, (2) Trends, and (3) Key Components.
Key Components: Key Components differ per category and represent a law firm’s percentile ranking of the representation of underrepresented racial & ethnic groups, gender and LBGTQ+ per level, and the overall disclosure of DEI data versus firms of a similar size. There are twenty-six components in total. These components are scored individually before they are combined into their respective categorical score and percentile.
The Key Components were assessed for each of the five levels:
- Summer Associates
- Associate
- Of Counsel
- Non-Equity Partners (if applicable)
- Equity Partners
Firms are compared to other firms of similar size and to the industry as a whole.
The lawyers were categorized according to:
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity (African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, Multiracial, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and White/Caucasian).
- Sexual orientation
- Disabilities as recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Firms were divided into five groups based on the size of the firm:
- Up to 50 lawyers
- 51-100 lawyers
- 101-250 lawyers
- 251-500 lawyers
- More than 501 lawyers
Executive Summary vs.
Scorecard Report
Will all participating firms receive the Executive Summary(ies) gratis as part of their survey participation?
Yes, any law firm that participated in the 2020-2024 MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey will receive an executive summary report for 2020-2024 respectively. The list of 2020-2024 Law Firm Diversity Survey participants can be found here.
SCORECARD – LAW FIRM FAQS
Do I have to be a member to receive the full Scorecard report(s)? How does our firm request our executive summary(ies) and/or Scorecard report(s)?
Law firm members, Levels I-V, will receive the 2020-2024 Scorecard(s) as part of their MCCA membership benefits as well as a 30-minute consultation with the MCCA leadership team. To request executive summary(ies) and Scorecard(s), email membership@mcca.com.
Law firm members, Level VI-VII, will pay a discounted membership rate for their Scorecard(s). To confirm membership level and request executive summary(ies) and Scorecard(s), email membership@mcca.com.
Is my firm an MCCA member?
i. Please click here to verify if your firm is an MCCA member.
How to become an MCCA member.
i. To learn more about MCCA membership, please click here.
How can we request our firm’s Scorecard?
Non-members may purchase their Scorecard(s) (2020-2024). Please contact MAP@mcca.com to learn more and request your executive summary(ies) and full Scorecard report(s).
Who will have access to our firm’s executive summary(ies) and Scorecard(s)?
Only your firm will have access to your firm’s executive summary(ies) and Scorecard(s).
Will our firm be able to correct our data if we believe it is incorrect in the Scorecard?
Yes, if you believe the data submitted via the 2020-2024 Law Firm Diversity Survey was incorrect, please email education@mcca.com.
How do we improve our firm scores?
All Firms regardless of MCCA membership can improve their scores by beginning to examine their business systems and mitigate the negative impact of systemic bias by utilizing the Bias Interrupters toolkits developed via our study, You Can’t Change What You Can’t See. To access the Executive Summary and the published toolkits click here.
MCCA law firm members have access to more robust Bias Interrupters toolkits and Roadmaps to Success via the MCCA Member Portal. To request your firm’s MCCA Member Portal log-in please contact membership@mcca.com.
SCORECARD – LEGAL DEPARTMENT QUESTIONS
How do we support the Scorecard and become “signatory”?
You can become a signatory by contacting MCCA at MAP@mcca.com to express your support and also agree to ask your firms to provide their MCCA Scorecard and use their data in the Scorecard as a metric in your evaluation of how firms are progressing in their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts; and use it as an industry standard to evaluate law firms’ DEI.
How do we request our outside counsels’ Scorecards?
Contact your outside counsel and request their MCCA Scorecard. Any firm that completed the 2020-2024 MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey will have a Scorecard. The list of 2020-2024 Law Firm Diversity Survey participants can be found here.
Do we need to be an MCCA member to request our outside counsels’ Scorecards?
No
How do we ask our outside counsel to take the MCCA Survey so they can have a Scorecard next year?
Please contact MCCA at MAP@mcca.com and we will provide you an email template and outreach plan.
MCCA LAW FIRM DIVERSITY DATABASE
About the Database
The MCCA Law Firm Diversity Database (“Database”), created by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), provides statistics and other crucial information on diversity at more than 225 law firms nationwide.
Compiled from responses to the annual MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey, the Database contains valuable benchmarking information about diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) at participating firms. Entries include quantitative data on the numbers of attorneys who are underrepresented in racial and ethnic groups, women, LGBTQ+, or attorneys with disabilities, as well as qualitative information regarding firms’ DEI strategies and programs. Through this online tool, users can make side-by-side comparisons of diversity metrics, gauge firms’ progress over the years, and measure their performance against industry-wide benchmarks. The Database also includes access to firms’ complete, self-reported survey responses, to present a comprehensive picture of the diversity commitment and programs at each participating law firm. This edition of this Database includes complete survey data since 2007.
The new Database launched March 2022.
The new Database will allow the user to review aggregate data, export via Excel, view graphical representations of the data and track multiple law firm data simultaneously.
Will law firm Scorecards be available in the Database?
No, Scorecards will not be available in the Database. MCCA only shares Scorecards with the respective law firm.
Who will have access to data via the Database?
The general public will have the ability to register and have access to aggregated industry data. This includes law students who are preparing for OCI.
Non-member law firms that participated in the MCCA Law Firm Diversity Surveys will only have access to aggregated industry data at this time. We have a scheduled fall 2022 update that will allow non-member law firm survey participants to access their specific firm data. At this time, non-member law firms will only have access to the aggregated industry data.
MCCA members (law firms and corporate legal departments) will have access to aggregated industry data and law firm-specific data for any firm that has participated in the Survey from 2007 onward.
How can I register for the Database?
MCCA Members receive full access to the Database as a membership benefit and must register utilizing their work email address to receive membership access to the Database. The Database will recognize the email address domain name and allow full access to the Database features and the full set of data.
Non-members may also register for the Database to review industry aggregated data but will not have access to the full set of data.
Please click below to verify if your organization is an MCCA member:
How do I use the Database?
Once registered and logged in, be sure to download and read the “User Guide” on the Announcements page. The guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to make the most use of the Database such as:
- Accessing & navigating the interactive dashboards
- How to filter data
- Exporting data
- And much more!
If you have any questions regarding the survey data, please contact MCCA at education@mcca.com and for technical support contact Vault Consulting at support@vaultconsulting.com.
Which tools are available on the Database?
The new Database offers more features than ever—added dashboards, a trends analysis, and tools to more easily compare progress across firms. Members and non-members can explore over a decade of data provided by over 225 firms. Log in today to explore the following:
Quantitative Data Tables
- Key Statistics
- Aggregate Table
- Table by Firm*
- Table by Firm Size
- Table by Attorney Group
Quantitative Data Charts
- Trend by Firm*
- Trend by Racial/Ethnic Group
- Trend by Gender
- Attorney Category Composition
Qualitative Data
- Law Firm Diversity Initiatives
*Available only to MCCA Members