Question: I’m an openly gay, third year corporate associate currently working in a Top 10 AmLaw firm. I’m looking to lateral to another top firm. How “out” should I be on my resume?

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Answer: This is a timely and important topic and I’m glad you raised it. Generally speaking, it is a lot easier and safer to be out in law firms these days—and that has positive implications for your search. Many of the top AmLaw firms as well as several mid-sized regional firms have made impressive strides in their LGBT Diversity initiatives and there is increased emphasis on law firms hiring diverse candidates. Consequently, the way is paved in several firms across the country for openly gay and lesbian lawyers to be out and proud of who they are in the job search process. Given this, the short answer to your question is, be honest up front. After all, why would you want to work for a firm that doesn’t accept you for who you are?
It has been a while since I’ve heard of a law firm blatantly discriminating against an LGBT candidate in the hiring process because of their sexual orientation. However, I have seen firms reject candidates who have resumes that are heavily loaded with public interest externships and internships. In this instance, the employer is concerned about the candidate not having any experience (or genuine interest) in a law firm. Not surprisingly, many diverse candidates summer at public interest organizations that are dedicated to promoting LGBT rights. While law firms may admire a candidate’s commitment to the cause, they are often concerned that the applicant lacks the necessary hands-on, practical experience of working in a firm—and they question that the candidate is really serious about firm life given their heavy public interest past. In this instance, I do recommend trimming out some of the public interest internship experience, particularly for positions that are very short in duration.
For more information about law firm diversity, see our Diversity Resources.
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Law Firm Diversity: How Race, Gender, Age, Social and Economic Divisions Impact the Hiring, Retention and Advancement of Law Firm Attorneys