Michael Coston Featured in Law360’s “DEI Round Up Report: 3 Lessons for Law Firms” 

07/26/23 

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"Listening is an action," Coston said. "When it comes to the DEI space, it's one of the most important things you can do."

 

Coston Consulting CEO, Michael Coston, is featured in Law360’s “DEI Round Up Report: 3 Lessons for Law Firms.”

 

In the article, Michael notes one of the most effective ways for law firms to move beyond performative DEI tactics is to provide their talent/workforce with the opportunity to share their perspectives and experiences and LISTEN to what they share so leadership can develop strategies to close unwanted gaps and leverage opportunities for progress.

 

Excerpts from the report are included below. The full Law360 report can be accessed here.

 

While many law firms opt to develop and implement their DEI programs through directives by its leadership, the smarter firms design their offerings in active collaboration with those who actually work there, said Michael Coston, CEO of business advisory firm Coston Consulting.

One common tactic by law firms is to see what programs have drawn acclaim elsewhere and then simply implement them, without properly considering whether the initiatives are actually a good fit for their particular culture and whether they are actually the best way to address a need, he said.

Firms stand to gain by actually listening to what their attorneys and staffers think of the organization and what individuals have experienced while working there, he said. Rather than getting defensive about criticisms that may be raised, incorporating concerns into action plans can make a significant difference, Coston said.

"Listening is an action," Coston said. "When it comes to the DEI space, it's one of the most important things you can do."