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Gibson Dunn started a Sabbath observer affinity group which I thought was fantastic as I’m a Sabbath observer myself. My biggest regret from my time in BigLaw was not starting a Jewish Affinity Group. Happy to connect if helpful.
First - to those saying Jews aren’t a minority in big law. That’s factually incorrect - I have worked at two big law firms and in one I was the only Jew in my group and in another I was one of two for my entire class year. At each there was a grand total of fewer than 5 Jewish partners.
Second, observant Jews have a handful of challenges to overcome with sabbath/holidays and kosher.
(a) I have pulled countless all nighters on Thursday night to get all my work done in time for sabbath, since I wouldn’t have any leeway if another assignment came in. We miss out on social and other firm networking/educational events that firms freely schedule on Jewish holidays. We have 6 days to get done what everyone else has 7 days to do.
(b) Kosher - how do you think people feel at events that there isn’t a kosher option and we literally cannot eat. It’s incredibly isolating. Or sitting at a client meal unwrapping your own kosher meal, when they remembered to get you one.
Having a network to help Jews navigate some of these complex issues is imperative. Mind you - some firms and people are very accommodating and some are not and constantly ask you to make religious concessions.
I think there are plenty of things firms can do to make Jews feel included and in todays environment (unfortunately seeing some true colors in these responses), plenty of people don’t feel comfortable advocating for themselves and pointing out that they cannot go to a certain event because it conflicts with sabbath/holiday observance or how uncomfortable it is to not eat at a firm event.
I went to a firm DIVERSITY event wine tasting that didn’t have kosher wine. Rather than focusing on whether or not Jews are considered white or in positions of power, we are subsequently excluded from many events and when we are there left to feel as an “other.”
Enthusiast
@A9 I am sorry you experienced that. But not surprised sadly. I think those ideas are great! Incidentally, My firm also has a DEI wine tasting event. I might suggest kosher wine to the organizers. Not much but it’s a start I guess.
Enthusiast
No. We have PRIDE, black, latino, “emerging professionals” (created by angry white men), women, and one called “care givers.” I think a jewish one is a good idea and needed though especially today. ✌🏻
Enthusiast
Lol… i happen to be an hr counsel and in the know and we were threatened with an eeo complaint if we didn’t start one bc they were offended we had a pride month celebration and none of them are poor ✌🏻 i was personally involved in dealing with the drama. The leader is a qanon white supremacist yale prep school boy. And your take that jews don’t deserve an ERG group is why they need one. What a nasty thing to say. Someone has been drinking too much trump and kanye kool aid.
We do not. We should. I would join.
Mentor
If only firms included this in their ever-vast DEI efforts, not even for promotion just education. I've seen people complain about too many jews in biglaw (obviously neglecting to acknowledge the not-so-great introduction jews had to biglaw a few decades ago), so no Jewish affinity groups are not a thing.
Mentor
Just want to point out that the success of Jewish law firms that have come to include many other cultures doesn't mean those at "less Jewish" firms should be made to feel like outsiders. You can't deride Jewish firms for their perceived lack of diversity and then also make them outsiders at other firms thus making it more likely they'll stick to the more Jewish firms and continuing the vicious cycle.
The whole point of diversity groups is to unite minorities. Not trying to be rude but Jewish people are not a minority in big law.
Mentor
At my last firm we called the Jewish affinity group the “executive committee”
At K&E, we don’t have a group per say but every few months we have a kosher lunch. It’s a really nice way to connect.
Enthusiast
No. For me, I haven’t felt that I needed that, though if it existed I’d probably participate. I do participate in the Jewish lawyers group that exists in my city.
Unfortunately some groups get left out of DEI in diff orgs. I doubt many firms have internal networks for Native American or Arab/MENA people either. But I bet many firms would be open to it if there’s demand.
Enthusiast
I think this would be a great idea! Especially if there were events held designed to educate non-jewish colleagues.
Subject Expert
I am pretty sure Greenberg Traurig self-identifies as a jewish affinity group.
Mentor
All the points are valid - but I agree that there are many groups that are overlooked in DEI initiatives. For eg, there is no Muslim Affinity Group or Native American Affinity Group in any Big Law firm I’ve been at.
Holland & Knight has a Native American affinity group!