Supporting a diverse, inclusive culture

We strive to create a community where all people live authentically and treat others with respect and dignity. As individuals, we remain diligent and purposeful in our interactions to ensure everyone feels valued and included. Our differences unite us and make us stronger, enriching our understanding and expanding our perspectives. By standing together and trusting one another, we can make progress toward a more diverse and equitable workplace and community. We are proud to count staff from over fifty nationalities among our colleagues. Our wide range of perspectives and inclusive culture enhance productivity, creativity, and innovation in the workplace—strengthening the quality of our work and the support we provide to our clients and experts.
Firm President Yesim Richardson talks about the importance of diversity.

DEI at Cornerstone Research

We seek opportunities to celebrate diversity, and we encourage our employees to share and learn from one another. By embracing and celebrating differences, we foster a culture where all employees are encouraged to contribute authentically.

Cornerstone Research’s DEI Council comprises senior staff across the firm who develop strategies to drive progress toward our DEI goals. Within each office, DEI leaders build engagement and coordinate locally-based and firmwide initiatives. These include ongoing learning opportunities for staff, partnerships and forums to support diverse recruiting, and a Supplier Diversity Program, which helps ensure that we work with organizations who share our commitment to DEI.

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Affinity Groups

The firm supports formal affinity groups that meet regularly to build community and connection. These include groups for Black/African American, East Asian, Hispanic/Latino/Latina, LGBTQ+, and South/Southeast Asian colleagues, as well as women and working parents.

All employees are welcome to join, whether they identify as members of the group or wish to serve as allies. Led by staff across the firm, affinity groups provide support, drive awareness and understanding, and ensure that every individual feels seen and valued.

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Building Pathways to Leadership

Within our firm, we emphasize the importance of collaboration to deliver excellent work to our clients. Senior staff encourage and cultivate the next generation of leaders through mindful mentoring and fostering opportunities for all employees to build relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.

Since Cornerstone Research’s founding, women have played critical leadership roles. Two of our three cofounders are women, and women continue to be represented at all levels across our firm. Our high percentage of women officers and principals stands out in the economics and financial consulting industry.

Recruiting and Staff Development

Cornerstone Research has developed partnerships with several organizations to assist with recruiting and outreach to qualified candidates. In seeking to attract a broad range of talent, we support our firm’s strong culture, provide a richer environment for our staff, and offer diverse perspectives and solutions to our clients.

In addition, the firm offers career development programs for first- and second-year undergraduate students. The programs seek to attract students who self-identify with at least one of the following historically underrepresented groups: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/Latina, LGBTQ+, Native American, Veteran, or as a student with disabilities.

To learn more about our inclusive recruitment partnership events for historically underrepresented students, please see our calendar.

Recruiting Events Calendar >

Events

Women’s Forums

Creating networking and professional development opportunities for women is integral to who we are and to our firm’s success. Across our offices, we host regular Women’s Forum events to foster discussion of thought-provoking topics relevant to women professionals.

Organizations We Support

Cornerstone Research is proud to sponsor organizations committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal access to opportunity. Below are some of our recent sponsorships.

GLAD

23rd Annual Spirit of Justice Award Dinner

2022 Spotlight Award

GlamourGals Foundation

Cinco de Música

ABA Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights & Responsibilities

2023 Stonewall Award

ABA Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Margaret Brent Awards

ABA Commission on Women in the Profession

Year Up

Job training to close the opportunity divide.

South Asian Bar Association of New York

Dedicated to the needs, concerns, and interests of lawyers of South Asian heritage.

Women’s White Collar Defense Association

Promotes diversity in the legal profession.

Mobilization for Justice

Offers free legal assistance to low-income New Yorkers.

Law Foundation of Silicon Valley

Provides free legal services to Silicon Valley individuals in need.

Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert

Support services for underserved communities and women and families in crisis due to breast cancer.

Martin Luther King Jr. Awards

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (LCCRSF)

New York City Urban Debate League

Focusing on academic debate opportunities for students from underserved communities.

Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia

Gold level sponsorship of the 2023 WBA Golf Classic

Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts

Supporting women lawyers in building important personal and professional relationships.