EEOC Exerts Pressure on Law Firms to Discontinue DEI

On March 17, 2025, in an unprecedented action, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), under the direction of Acting Chair Andrea R. Lucas, issued 20 extensive letters to large, prominent law firms containing over 100 requests for information and documentation related to their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices. This action appears to be a direct response to the March 6, 2025, Executive Order (3/6 EO), which specifically addressed Perkins Coie LLP. Section 4 of the 3/6 EO directed the EEOC Chair to investigate the DEI practices of other major law firms, focusing on potential set-asides or quotas and discriminatory decision-making in areas such as promotions, training, travel, client team assignments, and event participation.