Smith Comments on Minority, Gender Diversity at South Florida Law Firms

Partner Leslie Smith was quoted in a Daily Business Review article, “Focus on Inclusion Feed Minority, Gender Diversity at Law Firms in Florida,” about the results of a survey on inclusiveness at South Florida law firms.

Smith, managing partner of Foley’s Miami office, said she would like to think the reason there are more women in firm leadership positions is because the number of women staying long-term in the law is increasing. “It’s partly that our time has come,” she said. “Perhaps it’s overdue.”

She’s optimistic the trend will be a lasting one. “I hope that a positive byproduct of the MeToo movement is that the traditionally male leadership at law firms are really beginning to think intentionally about this issue,” she said. “It’s certainly sparked a lot of conversations at these places.”