Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Law: Legal Compliance, Strategy, and Workplace Practice

Kenneth E. Sharperson | Armstrong Teasdale LLP

As the firm’s Chief Diversity Officer, Kenneth Sharperson leads the execution of the firm’s strategy on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), as well as ongoing and new initiatives to build and sustain a culture of inclusion and belonging. He collaborates with firm leaders to embed a diverse and inclusive culture into the firm’s talent practices, business strategy, drive inclusion programming and initiatives, and support various affinity organizations firmwide and in the communities where we work and live.

Kenneth has extensive experience developing and implementing DEI programs in the public, nonprofit and legal sectors, including six years of service leading the Diversity Committee of a state bar association. Kenneth believes that a data-driven approach to DEI provides critical intelligence for determining where to focus DEI efforts to drive meaningful impact. As the driver of Armstrong Teasdale’s commitment to addressing the legal industry’s lack of diversity in its workforce, Kenneth will work with law schools to create pathways and expand the pipeline to the legal profession. In his role, Kenneth also will be involved in cultivating key internal and external partnerships to drive strategic diversity and inclusion marketing, as well as business development strategies.

As a practicing lawyer, Kenneth brings unique perspective to the role, as well as a deep understanding of client needs and expectations, and the challenges facing the legal industry. He previously served as counsel to clients across the country in insurance coverage and commercial litigation.

Kenneth collaborates with the firm’s Executive and Inclusion Committees in developing and advancing the firm’s DEI strategy, including the rollout of various trainings and programs, support of resource groups and affinity groups, and a targeted and intentional approach. He works within the firm to raise awareness, assisting each department and practice group with implementation of best practices in alignment with the Inclusion Committee’s priorities and goals.

Kenneth has been a champion of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession for over twenty years and is a sought-after speaker and frequently called upon to discuss a host of DEI topics, including managing risks around diversity and inclusion efforts at law firms, building and sustaining inclusive workplaces and increasing a law firm’s financial outlook through DEI. Kenneth is a thought leader and regularly published in connection with his insights as it relates to the evolution of DEI in the legal field.

Kenneth is active in DEI initiatives affecting the legal field, including the Law Firm Anti-Racism Alliance’s Education Working Group. This group, which focuses on how structural racism informs various areas of law, is responsible for producing research papers and other work products that will be included in the Systemic Racism Legal Inventory. As a recipient of the certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida, Kenneth is well versed in the essential practices and tools designed to increase workplace diversity and to create a business model that embraces equity and inclusion.

I. Legal framework and compliance considerations | 1:00pm – 1:30pm

• Understanding Title VII: Implications of recent DEI legal trends
• Executive orders, court rulings, and state-level DEI regulations
• Best practices for ensuring compliance and mitigating legal risks

II. Developing and implementing effective DEI initiatives | 1:30pm – 2:00pm

• Conducting workplace assessments and creating strategic DEI plans
• Integrating DEI into business operations and workplace culture
• Case studies showcasing successful DEI initiatives and their impact

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

III. Metrics, accountability, and overcoming resistance | 2:10pm – 2:40pm

• Tools for measuring DEI progress: Employee surveys, audits, and KPIs
• Strategies for fostering transparency and leadership commitment
• Addressing resistance and managing legal and ethical challenges

IV. The role of technology and future DEI trends | 2:40pm – 3:10pm

• AI and data analytics in DEI efforts: Benefits and potential biases
• Ethical considerations in technology-driven DEI initiatives
• Emerging trends and preparing for the evolving DEI landscape