Eric Meyer, founding partner of Pierson Ferdinand, joins Gina Rubel to discuss the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services and its implications for all employers, including law firms. They discuss how the ruling affects Title VII compliance, the future of DEI efforts, and the importance of consistent, merit-based employment practices. Eric offers practical guidance for minimizing legal risk while reinforcing fairness and accountability in hiring, promotion, and internal investigations.

Sarah Larson and Elizabeth Ogilvie join Jennifer Simpson Carr to discuss how law firms can navigate the evolving legal and political landscape surrounding Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. They share practical strategies for assessing and adapting ERG policies, emphasizing the importance of transparency, clear documentation, and internal collaboration.

Elizabeth Catterall Ogilvie joins Jennifer Simpson Carr to unpack SHRM’s newly introduced BEAM Framework—Belonging Enhanced by Access through Merit—and what it means for law firms navigating today’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) landscape.

They discuss the five BEAM questions, explore how merit-based inclusion can strengthen talent strategies, and share how law firms can evolve their DEI programs in light of recent executive orders and court decisions.