EEOC To Investigate DEI Programs At Large Law Firms

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has sent letters to 20 large law firms requesting information on their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, Acting Chair Andrea Lucas announced Monday.

The letters seek details on application criteria for diverse clerkship programs, hiring and compensation policies, and the use of affinity groups, with a response deadline of April 15, 2025. The announcement includes an email for whistleblowers to submit information. Lucas stated that DEI programs may violate Title VII if decisions are influenced by race, sex, or other protected characteristics. Former EEOC officials criticised the move, questioning its legal basis.

The investigation follows executive orders from former President Donald Trump directing scrutiny of law firms’ hiring and promotion practices.