Sean Griffin, member, Dykema Gossett PLLC. (Courtesy Photo) Sean Griffin, member, Dykema Gossett PLLC. (Courtesy Photo)

When you’re arguing a bad-faith case in a tough jurisdiction, you can’t afford mistakes that could alienate your jurors. Years ago, a senior partner and I defended a bad-faith case before a racially diverse jury. The senior partner planned to make a comment in his opening argument that may have seemed relatively mild, but I knew the African American jurors could take it the wrong way. I talked to him about it, and he made the same point differently. We watched as a few jurors nodded appreciatively.

This is why law firm diversity matters to insurers. The more diverse a law firm is, the better it can represent its clients. Law firm diversity can lead to meaningful settlements in mediation and arbitration, as a diverse attorney can build trust with diverse plaintiffs. At trial, it enables insurers to relate to diverse juries. Diversity can even help in document review. When I was a junior associate, I noticed a phrase in a document that my colleagues missed. That phrase ultimately helped convince the plaintiff to withdraw her lawsuit.

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