El Cronista – March 7 2018

Diversity also makes its way in law firms

The policies implemented by law firms to promote inclusive environments.

In a historically homogenous profession, little by little diversity opens the way. A survey by the specialized publication Latin Lawyer indicates that only 16% of the partners of law firms are women. In Zang, Bergel & Viñes, the percentage soars to 45%.

“When I became a partner, I was the only woman in the executive ranks, and for me it was very important to promote more women to leadership positions in ZBV. The incorporation of female partners has been a tremendous contribution to the firm, and an incentive for the younger female lawyers, “says Carolina Zang.

For this managing partner, the contribution of women has the potential to generate significant benefits both in the results of the business and in the operation, synergy and efficiency of a firm. “Promoting gender equality and achieving equality in the workplace is not only the fairest option the legal market can pursue, but also the most advantageous, when analyzing the positive impact of women on the dividends of any company”, she says.

To achieve equality, she clarifies, it is very important convictions should be accompanied by the implementation of policies.

When talking about gender diversity, Zang not only thinks about women, but also about men. “They have to be involved to be part of the solution,” she says.

In her firm they have implemented an extended paternity program that goes beyond the provisionsestablished by labor laws. “It benefits the father, the son and also the mother, who can share the responsibilities of taking care of the child with her partner,” she explains.

In addition, they have coaching and networking programs for femaole lawyers, mentoring and sponsorship of women in high impact sports (Polo In Law).

On his side, Federico Godoy, managing partner of Beretta Godoy, points out that human diversity is evidence that should not be subject to discrimination. “We work hard to bring this evidence to its maximum expression, without preconceptions or prejudices that disqualify people instead of valuing labor, professional and human capacities”, he says.

Diversity is not only proclaimed in the Code of Ethics of the firm, but it is also lived. “We proudly hold the same salary criteria for the same task, the team is diverse in religion, political ideology, gender, transgender, sexual orientation, education and geographical origin.

This enumeration gives a hint of the immanent complexity of diversity, “says Godoy, adding:” We adopt selection criteria that do not have to do with exogenous elements to work but, at the same time, we encourage the incorporation of people not adjusted to the socially instituted”.

To reflect this, in 2017 ladies and gents toilet facilities were turned into universal toilets, to be used by “todes” (all in inclusive language, as opossed to “todos” in Spanish), as a reflection of integration, acceptance and respect.

“We understand that language shapes thinking. For some time now we have made an institutional effort to use inclusive language in order to apprehend diversity.” Speaking of “todes”, refering to members of the firm using inclusive language with no gender implication, can inadvertently seem like an exaggeration. However, it makes sense to implode thinking that narrows into dichotomies, “reflects Godoy.