Diversity & Inclusion

At Vorys, diversity and inclusion are not only long-standing core values, but also key strategic priorities.  We are a better, stronger firm, and more effective legal and business partners when we recognize the value of diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.  We work each day to create an inclusive culture in which everyone can feel meaningfully included in the entire firm experience, including enjoying a genuine sense of belonging and equal access to professional opportunities.

Recognition

Mansfield 7.0 Certified

Vorys achieved Mansfield Certification from Diversity Lab after completing the Mansfield Rule 7.0 program from July 2023-June 2024. The Mansfield Rule focuses on broadening the pool of candidates considered for leadership roles and other opportunities and promotes transparency in advancement processes, with the goal of ensuring lawyers have a fair and equal opportunity to advance into leadership. Vorys earned Mansfield 6.0 certification in 2023 and Mansfield 5.0 certification in 2022.  The firm is also participating in the pilot group for Mansfield Rule 8.0 in 2025.  

Human Rights Campaign Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality

Since 2008, Vorys has been recognized as a top LGBTQ+-friendly workplace.  The firm has earned an equality score of 100 (out of a possible 100) in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index since 2018.  In the 2025 CEI, Vorys was named to the “Equality 100 Award” list.

Women In Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF) Gold Standard Certification

Vorys has earned recognition as a Gold Standard Certification firm by the Women In Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF) for its work advancing women into equity partnership and other key leadership roles, as well as concrete steps toward achieving greater gender equity within the law firm.  Under more stringent criteria, Vorys was one of only 32 law firms across the United States to have earned the WILEF Gold Standard Certification designation in 2022.  The firm also received Gold Standard Certification in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

2024 DEI Champion Award

Vorys was the sole recipient of the Ohio Women's Bar Association's  (OWBA) 2024 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Champion Award.  According to the OWBA, each year the organization recognizes a law firm, company, or other legal organization that has a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the profession with the Award.  Learn more.

Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Diversity in the Legal Profession

In 2019, Jolie Havens, Vorys’ Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, was selected from 14 finalists nationally as the winner of the Chambers and Partners 2019 “Outstanding Contribution to Furthering the Advancement of Diversity in the Legal Profession” Award.  Jolie has also been recognized with multiple awards from the National Diversity Council.

Vorys Affinity and Advocacy Groups

Vorys Networks for Women

Vorys maintains two networks focused on the development, retention and advancement of women at the firm.

The Vorys Women’s Network (VWN) provides both advocacy and affinity for our women lawyers and patent professionals.  The VWN is led by two partners and is supported by a Council of women across the firm, designed to build a pipeline of female leaders at Vorys.  The VWN hosts a variety of programs throughout the year including: office-specific programs covering topics such as career management, client development, networking, mentoring, leadership and community involvement; networking events with firm leadership, alumni, clients and friends of the firm; an Annual VWN Summit which brings together women from across the firm to learn from and connect with each other, as well as guest speakers, clients and community leaders; and supports local, regional and national organizations and events geared toward the success of women in law and business.  For more information, contact VWN Co-Chairs, Elizabeth Howard or Karey Werner.

The Vorys Women’s Network for Legal Professionals (VWN-LP), established in 2023, focuses on enhancing community among the women staff and paralegals at the firm.  It also provides additional opportunities for professional development for its members and opportunities for engagement with firm leadership.  The VWN-LP is led by two Co-Chairs and a VWN-LP Council, which works closely with the Co-Chairs to develop programming and professional and leadership development opportunities.  For more information, contact VWN-LP Co-Chairs, Jen House or Doreen Watt.

The Vorys Diversity Network 

The Vorys Diversity Network (VDN) is a dedicated space where our racially and ethnically-diverse, LGBTQ+ and lawyers and patent professionals with disabilities can build community, promote the professional and leadership development of the firm’s underrepresented groups, and leverage their perspectives and experiences to support and advance broader firm initiatives.  The VDN has both affinity and advocacy components and is also supported by a Council to build our pipeline of diverse leaders.  The VDN’s signature event is the firm’s annual VDN Summit which brings together attorneys and patent professionals with firm leaders for professional development, fellowship and networking.  For more information, contact VDN Chair, Jabari Shaw.

Client and Community Engagement

Vorys Initiative for Business Empowerment

The Vorys Initiative for Business Empowerment provides legal support for minority-owned businesses.  Our goal is to help create a strong legal foundation that allows our clients to navigate the challenges associated with business ownership.  By providing legal services at no or low cost, and delivering valuable educational content and training, we facilitate the development of minority-owned businesses from inception to maturity and through succession.

Hockey Is For Everyone

Vorys is the official corporate and business law partner of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Hockey Is For Everyone Night, a partnership that developed in recognition of our history with the team and our shared commitment to the Columbus community and diversity, equity and inclusion.  Hockey Is for Everyone Night is a celebration of diversity and inclusion that uses the game of hockey to drive positive social change and foster more inclusive communities.  For more information on Hockey Is For Everyone, see here.

Vorys Initiative for Diversity in Intellectual Property (IP)

As part of Vorys commitment to diversity and inclusion, Vorys launched the Vorys Initiative for Diversity in IP, a program designed to help clients who are looking to break down barriers and increase diversity in the company’s innovation ecosphere including diversifying the pool of talent and inventors in IP.  One of the initiative’s goal is to help clients address the issues they can control and create initiatives designed to improve the diversity of the company’s innovation ecosphere over time.  For more information, please contact Carey Jordan.

Contact Us

Sachiyo Peterson, partner and chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, sipeterson@vorys.com