News & Insights

In the Face of Affirmative Action: Persisting With Law Firm Diversity Efforts

The Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, 600 U.S. 181 (2023) held that affirmative action programs are unconstitutional in private college admissions. The decision left businesses that are committed to diversity initiatives worried about what it would mean for their DEI programs. However, the decision does not invalidate private employment diversity efforts. Shelley Smith, Archer’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Partner in the firm’s Business Litigation and Labor and Employment Groups, recently authored The Legal article, “In the Face of Affirmative Action: Persisting with Law Firm Diversity Efforts,” which reviews the Supreme court decision. In the article, Shelley discusses the legal field being among the least diverse professions and how law firms can continue working towards a more diverse and inclusive industry - despite the current attacks against affirmative action. To read the article, click here. ...read more

For Midsize Law Firms, Curbing Boys-Club Culture Starts with Diversity at the Top

In the LAW.COM PRO article, “For Midsize Law Firms, Curbing Boys-Club Culture Starts with Diversity at the Top,” partner Shelley R. Smith, Archer’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, gave insight on how midsize law firms can increase diversity efforts when dealing with smaller talent pools and less frequent leadership changes, which can affect diverse visibility at the top level. ...read more

The Sweet Spot Between Microaggressions and Empty Words: Threading the Needle on Associate Feedback

The American Lawyer article, “The Sweet Spot Between Microaggressions and Empty Words: Threading the Needle on Associate Feedback,” includes comments from Shelley Smith, Archer’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. With associate feedback recently coming under scrutiny, the article discusses law firms and their partners’ possible struggle to deliver appropriate guidance to associates while keeping diversity, equity and inclusion considerations in mind. While partners risk inadvertently incorporating microaggressions into feedback, not offering feedback to associates is another form of discrimination.  ...read more

How Should Midsize Firms Navigate DEI Landmines

Shelley R. Smith, Archer's Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, was interviewed for the Law.com article, "How Should Midsize Firms Navigate DEI Landmines?" Shelley, a partner in the firm's Labor & Employment Group, discussed how midsize firms can move forward with DEI programming without risking litigation or other issues related to recent DEI pushback. The article offers practical advice on how midsize firms can ensure they're compliant with the law and able to continue the efforts they started before as much resistance had occurred. ...read more

The Future of DEI in Legal

The legal landscape around diversity, equity, and inclusion has shifted significantly in the wake of several significant judicial opinions. While the legal profession has been notoriously slow to make progress in its efforts to nurture more inclusive practice environments, there is optimism about the advancement of inclusion in the profession.  ...read more

Shelley Smith Named to City & State PA Fifty Over 50

Archer partner and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (“CDEIO”), Shelley R. Smith, was named to City & State PA’s Fifty Over 50 list, which recognizes 50 influential leaders in Pennsylvania over the age of 50 who have set themselves apart in government, nonprofits and the private sector. ...read more

Archer Files Amicus Curiae Brief for Pro Bono Client Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ...read more

Archer Signs on to Mansfield Rule 6.0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ...read more

Shelley Smith to Moderate the Panel "Getting Real in Our New Reality" at the NJBIA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit

Shelley R. Smith, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and a Partner in the firm’s Business Litigation and Labor and Employment Groups, will serve as Moderator on the panel "Getting Real in Our New Reality" at the New Jersey Business & Industry Association Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit, "Elephants in Shifting Sands: The Changing Reality of DE&I". ...read more

Shelley Smith to be a Panelist at CCSNJ Diversity & Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Forum

When: Thursday, June 16, 2022 ...read more

[Virtual] Shelley Smith to Speak as a Panelist for PBA's "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Law Firm and the Path to Success" Webinar

When: Monday, July 12th, 2021 | Eastern: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ...read more