Leading full-service law firms in Brazil have been collaborating more and more in their advocacy for racial and gender equity, reshaping the legal sector through initiatives to foster more diversity and inclusion.
Mattos Filho has played a trailblazing role in the sector, carrying out affirmative actions and actively engaging in these alliances. It has helped to create opportunities and encourage dialogue to ensure that both the legal sector and society as a whole continue to progress forward.
Established in 2019, the Aliança Jurídica pela Equidade Racial (Legal Alliance for Racial Equity) is comprised of twelve firms committed to advancing racial equity in the legal domain. Through exchanging insights and coordinated efforts, the alliance seeks to tackle the structural racism prevalent in society. As the former president of the alliance, Mattos Filho founding partner Roberto Quiroga spearheaded efforts to ensure stronger representation within law firms at the leadership level to promote diverse and sustainable growth. This involved efforts to increase awareness and adopt specific metrics and affirmative policies.
“During this time, we’ve organized literacy events, conducted racial diversity surveys, forged successful partnerships, and shared our experiences with other alliances, including Empresas pela Equidade Racial (Companies for Racial Equity). In 2023, we began supporting the Prosseguir (Proceed) Program, which supports black university students with pursuing their academic studies via financial aid, English courses, and professional mentoring”
Founded in 2023, the Aliança Jurídica pela Igualdade de Gênero (Legal Alliance for Gender Equity) consists of thirteen firms that seek to advance women’s professional development, empowerment, and rise to leadership within law firms. Mattos Filho was among the founding members of this alliance.
“The launch of the Aliança Jurídica pela Equidade de Gênero in October 2023 was inspired by the success of the previously established Aliança Jurídica pela Equidade Racial. Discussions about legal careers must consider women’s participation in the corporate landscape, and law is increasingly a sought-after profession for women. Therefore, we seek to spark conversations, provoke reflection, and advocate for changes to ensure equal opportunities, regardless of gender. Our primary challenge is to address the deeply entrenched unconscious bias that is still within us all. Fostering a diverse environment is not only beneficial for business but, above all, it is the right thing to do”
