I recently came across an article by Tiana Headley of Bloomberg Law that discussed client pressures on law firms to take public stands on social issues. The same issue was front and center in the excellent book by David Enrich Servants of the Damned. These issues are often controversial and divisive and arouse passions among both law firm partners and clients.
It is becoming more and more common for individuals and businesses to take public stands on various social and political issues. This trend is certainly evident in the legal industry, where clients are beginning to demand that their law firms also take positions on important social issues.
One reason for this shift is that clients are becoming increasingly aware of law firms’ potential influence and power in shaping society. They believe—rightly or wrongly- law firms have the resources, expertise, and connections to significantly impact a wide range of social issues. As a result, clients may call on their law firms to use this influence to promote the change they might desire.
Another possible reason for this trend is consumers’ and stakeholders’ growing expectations of corporate social responsibility. This expectation is, in turn, being applied by clients to their law firms, with clients demanding their law firms as institutions align with their own values and beliefs on social issues.
Granted, there is the opportunity for law firms to positively impact society and thereby build a stronger brand and reputation.
But taking a stance on social issues is tricky for law firms. They must balance their duty to their clients with the values and beliefs of the law firms’ partners—the business owners.
But taking a stance on social issues is tricky for law firms. They must balance their duty to their