Dechert’s Abbi Cohen Recognized by Profiles in Diversity Journal

Dechert LLP has been honored as a “Diversity Leader” by Profiles in Diversity Journal highlighting the efforts of partner Abbi Cohen, the firm’s new Deputy Chair of Diversity & Inclusion. The awards, now in their 12th year, recognize organizations and individual leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to cultivating diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace and beyond. 

Ms. Cohen was appointed Deputy Chair of Diversity & Inclusion in 2019 after leading the firm’s Global Women’s Initiative (GWI) since its establishment in 2014. The GWI connects and supports women attorneys at all levels. She also helped develop and implement the firm’s Sponsorship and Sustained Support (SASS) professional development initiative, which provides coaching and other assistance women associates approaching partnership level.

The impact of these twin initiatives has been significant. The GWI now has a number of dedicated local chapters in Dechert offices around the world, which hold meetings, events, activities and training programs, and organize other opportunities for professional and social interaction. At the same time, many SASS graduates credit the program for the skills and opportunities it gave them. In the five years prior to its implementation, 18 percent of lawyers promoted to partner were women. In the five years since its implementation, 31 percent were women.

The numbers, too, are telling. Today, Dechert has four women on its policy committee, five serving as office managing partners, and nine leading at practice/industry level. Women account for 55 percent of the most recent partner promotion class, which took effect in January 2020, and 63 percent of all partners hired in from other firms in 2019.

An article featuring Ms. Cohen’s gender diversity achievements and honoring Dechert as a “Diversity Leader” will appear in Profiles in Diversity Journal in its winter 2019-2020 issue.

About Dechert

Dechert is a leading global law firm with 26 offices around the world. We advise on matters and transactions of the greatest complexity, bringing energy, creativity and efficient management of legal issues to deliver commercial and practical advice for clients.