01/20/2004 9:37:07 AM PST
· 8 of 8 gsaaa
to RWR8189
Although there is much validity to the criticism of society's overuse of the "diversity" label and programs, we are kidding ourselves if we do not admit the gender and racial biases that exist in many law firms, including many firms that consider themselves enlightened. For exmaple, the minority associate that never learned the game of golf and, therefore, does not participate or feel comfortable playing golf with the partner at his club... or the associate who isn't one of the guys going out to the bar for the quick hamburger after working late... or the many other little actions that lessen the face-time with superiors, or the bonding chances with associates. These all contribute to the much harder path a minority of equal ability must travel to partnership. But the solution isn't quotas or preferences, its managers simply assuring this does not happen.