Our Commitment to Diversity

Our certification by  both New York State  and New York City as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), along with our pro bono work, philanthropy, and affiliations reflect a strong commitment to providing high quality legal services to all members of our community.

As a firm and through the activities of our employees, MSD promotes diversity. This commitment is reflected in many ways, including:

• Our certification by the New York State Department of Economic Development, Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development, as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise; and our certification by the City of New York’s Minority and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise Certification Program as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE).
• We are at the forefront in the growth of privately held, woman-owned law firms in the U.S. Existing statistics for women lawyers in the U.S. (29%*) and law firm partners (just 16%*) support the assertion that “women-owned law firms remain rarities.”** This is especially true for firms like MSD that are not solo practices.
• Being sensitive to diversity issues when meeting staffing requirements. We believe that having employees who represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives helps us represent our clients better in the various communities we serve.
• Our firm is multilingual and we can communicate with our clients in fluent Albanian, Arabic, Creole, French, Italian and Spanish.
• Participating in pro bono activities in the communities where MSD does business. Our attorneys share their expertise, at no cost, with less-experienced lawyers by taking part in educational programs throughout New York’s five boroughs.
• We focus on philanthropy. Throughout the year, our attorneys and staff give back to underprivileged communities through motivational and career-oriented speaking engagements, charity initiatives and donations to schools, colleges and community centers in need.