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Vote on Desiree Davidson's Story
Were they afraid we were planning a coup d'etat?
I spent my first summer during Columbia Law School at a firm in Philadelphia described as one of the best places in the city for black lawyers. I believed that if there was any place where I would have an equal chance at opportunities, be treated fairly and succeed, this would be it. There were three black female summer associates out of sixty that year but any time all three of us were in an office talking, one of the partners would knock on the door to see how we were doing. It happened too often to be a coincidence that sometimes we would purposely agree to meet in so-and-so's office to test our theory that we were being monitored. Like clock work, ten minutes after we would get together a partner would stop by.
Let's look at what's going on
- Workplace Unfairness
- Female
- African-American
- Law Firm
- Considering Leaving
- Diversity Initiatives
- Personal Response
- Risk
- Uncredited Responsibility
I'm going to put together a proposal because I realize that we don't have a diversity policy at this firm. Let's take a look at what is going on. At this firm the last three associates that have left have been associates of color. I am the only one left. You can't afford to have an all white firm in my region. I need to see the firm's commitment. I need to see it in the work, in the pay, and in their policies. They don't think there is a problem, so they will never ask the necessary questions. The question is whether I am willing to take the risk to bring up the subject of diversity. I need to be ready for the consequences either way.