In 2023, Weil hosted Radiating Brilliance, a conference bringing together Asian, Black, Lantinx and Multiracial attorneys across our U.S. and U.K. offices to foster growth and networking. The conference featured remarks by Executive Partner Barry Wolf, roundtable discussions with Weil leaders, presentations on professional and business development, and affinity group-specific breakout sessions.

Other past conferences include the following highlights.

• Client and alumni network reception with performance by the Syncopated Ladies.
• Leadership small group discussions with several members of the Management Committee.
• Fireside chat with Judge George Hazel.
• Speed Mentoring Workshop benefiting PENCIL
• “Taking Ownership of Your Career” client panel and discussion featuring Felice Gray-Kemp of LEGO, Michelle Ifill of Verizon, and John Mbiti of Credit Suisse
• Lunch discussion and strategic planning session with Firm leaders
• “Career Paths and Lessons Learned” panels featuring Weil alumni and BLAST partners Adé Heyliger and Adam Banks
• Personal Branding Workshop facilitated by Weil’s Business Development team

In 2023, Weil clients and BLAST members gathered several times throughout the year, including at conferences, intimate client dinners, and concerts.

Since 2011, Weil requires all attorneys and administrative staff across the U.S. to complete a two hour Annual Mandatory Diversity Training modeled on the ethics CLE requirement. The 2022-2023 US training featured Vallotkarp Consulting, delivering programing on how to promote inclusivity as an everyday habit.

In honor of Black History Month and Heart Health Month, we held fireside chat between Candace Arthur, a Weil Partner in our Restructuring Department and Dr. Tracy K. Paul, MD, acclaimed Cardiologist & Director of Women’s Heart Program at Weill Cornell. Dr. Paul shared important insights on heart health and how diversity initiatives within Weill Cornell Medicine have informed her practice and outlook on health issues impacting diverse communities.

In honor of Juneteenth, members of the Weil family participated in a guided tour of Seneca Village in Central Park to explore the deep history of this 19th century settlement of predominantly African-American landowners in the heart of Manhattan.

Our most recent theme was “Antiracism and Allyship: The Collective Power of Individual Actions” and featured virtual programs globally such as Blair Imani’s practical insights on how to be an effective ally and Liz Klinerock on ways to facilitate anti-bias and anti-racist practices in the workplace.

BLAST members participate in associate of color mentoring circles, which supplement the existing mentoring program for associates who seek additional access to partners as advisors and role models. The circles foster peer mentoring and provide a forum to discuss diversity topics at the Firm. 

Jumpstart is a new resource for new and lateral Black associates who are paired with a Black partner and associate to support their transition to the Firm.

Weil started the formal Racial Justice series in 2020 to highlight the racial inequities present in the United States and to increase dialogue. As part of the series, Weil invited speakers from non-profit organizations to take part in fireside chats and discuss their missions. For more on our Racial Justice efforts, click here.

Two advisory boards were formed to work with Executive Partners Barry Wolf. One is composed of Black partners, and the other of Black counsel and associates in the US and London. These advisory boards will advise on a range of issues of importance to the Firm, including but not limited to diversity-related topics.

The Racial Justice Fellowship Program was developed to provide associates with the opportunity to participate in six-month, full-time pro bono fellowships with nonprofit organizations focused on racial justice. During the first phase of the program, two associates worked with the Institute for American Police Reform (IAPR), a pro bono client of the Firm. The IAPR aims to take a research-driven approach to transforming police practices, particularly those that disproportionately affect people of color.

For two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023, in celebration of MLK Day of Service, Weil hosted its first Social Impact Awards, honoring administrative staff, attorneys, and nonprofit partners who have gone above and beyond in making a difference in the broader community through public service, charitable giving, and much more.

In 2019 and 2018, the Firm hosted a number of on-site and offsite volunteer opportunities. In 2017, the New York Office bundled 2,000 healthy snack packs and health and hygiene kits for clients served by the Bowery Mission.

Weil is a supporter of the Corporate Counsel Women of Color Conference, the Council of Urban Professionals, the Center for Talent Innovation, the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and Legal Outreach, amongst many other nonprofit and membership based organizations.

Weil aims to serve the community through the sponsorship of several organizations as part of our ongoing Racial Justice Initiative, including:

• Boston University Center for Antiracist Research
• Equal Justice Initiative
• Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law

Other external sponsorships include:

• Weil was among the first law firms to join the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA), whose mission is to leverage the resources of the private bar to promote racial equity in the law.
• Weil’s Racial Justice Fellowship was developed to provide associates the opportunity to participate in full-time six-month long pro bono fellowships.

Weil has a longstanding relationship with PALS (Practicing Attorneys for Law Students), a nonprofit organization committed to minority attorneys and law students, including hosting mock interview, 1L exam writing, and networking workshops. Weil also hosts onsite pipeline programs for students in middle school and high school through PENCIL and Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC Workplace Mentoring Program.

The Firm sponsors and actively participates in internship opportunities such as the Dallas Judicial Intern Opportunity Program, the Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Program (SEO) and Summer Search. Weil's New York Office has provided nearly 100 summer internships to high school and college students from community based organizations since 2013.