“When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free.” Charles Evans Hughes

Hughes Hubbard has long believed in the “right to be different.” Our experience is that our differences make us stronger, more creative lawyers for our clients because we approach challenges from the variety of perspectives borne out of our different life experiences.

We foster an inclusive work environment – one free of discrimination of any kind – where all individuals can flourish and perform at the highest level. Our efforts focus on recruiting, training, retaining and promoting attorneys of all backgrounds. These efforts are reflected in all aspects of firm growth: in developing new and existing client relationships, serving in leadership roles and participating in our mentoring programs. We believe strongly in equal opportunity for all, regardless of background.

Black History Month Spotlight: Patrice Jean

In celebration of Black History Month, Hughes Hubbard is proud to share a spotlight on Patrice Jean, partner and chair of Hughes Hubbard’s Life Sciences practice.

Read Patrice's Full Spotlight

HHR’s Women: Inspiring Inclusion

The women of Hughes Hubbard discuss International Women’s Day’s 2024 theme, “Inspire Inclusion.”

Read the 2024 International Women's Day Publication

Sabrina Silverberg Named 2023 Woman Worth Watching by Profiles in Diversity Journal

Sabrina Silverberg was named a 2023 Woman Worth Watching by Profiles in Diversity Journal. The publication’s 22nd leadership issue recognizes dynamic professional women who are using their talents and influence to change workplaces and the world.

Read Her Full Profile

Q&A with Carter Rosekrans, Co-Chair of HHR Pride

For Pride 2023, Hughes Hubbard is pleased to share a discussion with Carter Rosekrans, co-chair of the firm’s LGBT affinity group. Rosekrans discusses his role in HHR Pride and the responsibilities of LGBTQ+ and ally lawyers in the current legal climate.

Read Carter's Interview

Celebrating HHR’s Women

International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. As part of the day, we’re proud to share our publication highlighting the remarkable achievements of the firm’s female cohort.

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Meaghan Gragg Named to 2022 'Women Worth Watching' by Profiles in Diversity Journal

The 2022 edition of "Women Worth Watching" by Profiles in Diversity Journal has recognized Meaghan Gragg on its annual list. The publication's 21st leadership issue recognizes dynamic professional women who are using their talents and influence to change workplaces and the world.

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Q&A Series With Our Affinity Group Leaders

Hughes Hubbard's affinity groups, aligned by race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, are open to participation by all of our attorneys. This series of Q&A articles introduces the leaders of those groups.

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Committed Inclusion matters.
Leadership

Our lawyers with varied backgrounds are in positions of influence throughout the firm, including office and practice leaders.

Mentoring

We have developed both formal and informal mentoring for all associates.

Oversight

We carefully oversee all inclusivity efforts, including mentoring, recruiting, retention, outreach and affinity groups.

Outreach

We actively recruit law students of varied backgrounds, and offer a summer program where they can learn more about life at our firm and develop their career goals.

Support

Hughes Hubbard welcomes affinity groups for all backgrounds, including Black attorneys, Asian attorneys, Hispanic attorneys, working mothers, LGBT attorneys and our women’s roundtable. All are welcome and encouraged to attend affinity group meetings.

Our firm's commitment to inclusion can be traced back to our founder, Charles Evans Hughes, campaigning for women's suffrage in his near-victory over Woodrow Wilson in the 1916 presidential race. In 1942, we broke ranks with other Wall Street firms in hiring the first female associate at a time when most of those firms did not even interview women. In 1969, we named as partner Amalya Kearse, the first Black female partner of any major New York firm. Kearse went on to become the second Black person to sit on the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. In 1999, Candace Beinecke became chair of Hughes Hubbard, making her the first woman to chair a major New York law firm.