Mattos Filho’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) program fosters an increasingly inclusive work environment, ensuring equal opportunities for all, irrespective of their identities. A leading example in the legal sector and a source of inspiration for companies across various sectors, the program is based on five core pillars – gender equity, LGBTQIAPN+ rights, racial equity, the rights of people with disabilities, and religious freedom – and is carried out both via institutional initiatives and initiatives run by the program’s affinity groups.
In 2023, the program’s focus on gender equity garnered particular recognition. The Brazilian Center of Law Firm Studies (Cesa) awarded Mattos Filho the CESA Gender Equity Seal in recognition of its commitment to practices for including women and keeping them in legal professions. Moreover, the firm was the only Brazilian organization to have professionals ranked in the ‘Top 100 Women Future Leaders’ category of the global Heroes Women Role Model List, also securing the top position in the Análise Mulher rankings for the third consecutive year.
“Our distinctive approach is grounded in our dedication to cultivating a supportive work environment, one conducive to developing the expertise of diverse talents at the firm. We provide compulsory training to avoid harassment and unconscious bias, and literacy programs based on lectures, discussion circles, and events to further educate our staff. Career mentorship programs also play a crucial role in career planning and talent retention. We closely monitor the technical and behavioral progress of our professionals, striving to blend diversity and high performance,” explained Laura Davis Mattar, Mattos Filho’s Corporate Citizenship and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager.
Presenting the voices of professionals in Mattos Filho’s affinity groups
“Women represent both a significant part of our management and the firm as a whole. The women at the firm today know that they can count on the support of our institution. We review evaluations to look for potential inconsistencies and reduce the impact of potential gender biases. Of course, it’s not perfect, but we’ve made a lot of progress. Our female professionals, partners, lawyers, and interns know that they can count on the structure of the firm, including mentorship and support in their careers“
“Women still encounter cultural, structural, and visibility-related difficulties in the legal field, one that tends to value more traditional models of performance and leadership. Therefore, it is important for gender equity programs to offer spaces for dialogue, mentoring, and networking for female lawyers in order to enhance their skills, self-esteem, and opportunities”
“We can only implement an effective diversity and inclusion policy if everyone feels empowered to be themselves where they work. To achieve this, everyone needs to understand the challenges and perspectives of others. EmFamília serves this purpose by providing a space for sharing experiences and information. The discussions are always enriching, with diverse viewpoints and stories”
“Initiatives like Soma Talentos are pivotal to boosting representation. Joining Mattos Filho through this program was instrumental in enabling me to work at a prestigious full-service firm like ours. The firm has consistently supported my professional development from the very outset, and even as I transitioned into my role as a qualified lawyer”
“By promoting an environment where individuals can express their authentic identities, we improve satisfaction, productivity, and creativity within our teams. In turn, this is reflected in the quality and efficiency of our services. Our initiatives enable us to better connect with our clients, partners, and society as a whole as the importance of diversity is increasingly recognized”
“In practice, EmFrente’s initiatives are contributing to cultivating a more diverse and inclusive work environment, allowing everyone to gain broader life experiences. This results in enhanced professional performance internally and improved interactions with clients”
“LiRe is not only an innovative program within law firms but also among major institutions in Brazil. Having an organized group dedicated to promoting religious freedom in the workplace demonstrates it is possible to practice one’s religion while pursuing a professional career without stigma concerns. Many professionals have expressed increased respect for their beliefs – critical to their identity – which has strengthened their sense of belonging and commitment to Mattos Filho.“
Chambers Brazil Awards
DEI: Outstanding Firm – Highly Commended
Latin Lawyer Awards
Diversity Initiative of the Year
Awarded in 2024 for Lire’s work in 2023
Long recognized in the Brazilian legal market, Mattos Filho’s collaborative work model broke through to other areas in 2023, becoming the subject of a case study at the leading academic institution Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV).
The study delves into the firm’s management and governance model, which were at the core of a cultural shift that has been crucial to boosting integration between professionals.
The firm facilitated this shift by investing in professional development policies and practices that foster a collective spirit – one that blends individual achievements with the strength of the whole to promote multidisciplinary collaboration.
This collaborative approach stimulates innovation, fosters opportunities among professionals, and results in top-tier client service.
In 2023, the firm took its personalized approach to people management to new levels, combining a focus on performance, efficiency, and well-being for an even more inclusive environment with equal opportunities. Senior lawyers received further capacity-building training, and students in the Jovens Talentos (Young Talents) program progressed in both their personal and professional development.
“We are on the right path. Good people management is increasingly understood to be essential for the firm to sustain itself. The continued engagement of partners and leaders in collaboration is imperative for this model to continue bearing fruit. We must also continue to nurture individual talent and strengthen existing projects,” said Human Development Officer Renata Maiorino.
Established in 2015, Mattos Filho’s Jovens Talentos (Young Talents) program offers law students a unique chance to work at the firm as interns. Focused on the personal and professional growth of new talent, the program provides a space for new opportunities while fostering innovative and entrepreneurial thinking. Over the course of three years, participants receive specialized training, attend workshops, and receive career guidance to ensure effective placement. The internship experience adds value to students’ education, complementing their university studies.
These are the program’s results in 2023:
