#571: What DEI Really Means for Small Law Firms, with Tanya Hernandez

Many law firm owners want to foster inclusive workplaces—but aren’t sure how to do it without missteps or performative gestures. Professor Tanya Hernandez of Fordham Law School joins Stephanie Everett to unpack what DEI really means, where it comes from legally, and how small firms can approach it with clarity and intention. 

The conversation explores how unconscious bias shows up in hiring and evaluation, why culture fit can be a red flag, and how to implement practical guardrails that promote fairness without needing a big HR department. Tanya also clears up legal misconceptions about DEI post–Supreme Court ruling and offers smart, research-backed tips for making firms more equitable—without making a scene. 

This episode is a thoughtful guide for law firm leaders who want to build stronger, fairer teams—one intentional decision at a time.  

Listen to our other episodes on DEI & Belonging: 

#450: The Power of Building Belonging, with Dr. Terrell Strayhorn Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist  

#105: How Small Firms Can Promote Diversity, with Dr. Heather Hackman Apple | Lawyerist 

#242: Brave, Not Perfect, with Reshma Saujani Apple | Lawyerist 

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Chapters/Timestamps: 

2:09 – Meet Professor Tanya Hernandez: DEI Legal Scholar 

2:44 – What DEI Really Means: The Civil Rights Foundation 

6:41 – Why Small Firms Should Care: The High Stakes of Small Teams 

9:46 – Culture Fit or Bias? Rethinking How We Hire 

17:04 – Guardrails: Tools to Catch Your Own Bias 

22:07 – Is Your Culture Inclusive? Rethinking Team Bonding 

24:04 – Where to Start: Learning from the Next Generation 

26:14 – Asking the Right Questions: Curiosity Without Burden 

28:27 – DEI Is Not Illegal: Clarifying Misconceptions 

30:54 – Skip the Slogans: Doing the Real Work Without Performative DEI 

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