Is there discrimination against Asians in biglaw Forum

[AAPLTSLADIS]

I didn't read any of this, but came here to say that at least at my firm, there's a subtle hint of discrimination in favor of Asians, so who knows. I suspect similar at other firms.

Can you give us some examples? [real request not being a punk]

It's my conclusion based on (1) Asian hiring in certain groups that require brilliance and workhorses, and working across from them, and (2) the offers my practice group has historically made. To be blunt, if you want people who will tolerate a lot, you choose accordingly.

[AAPLTSLADIS]

I didn't read any of this, but came here to say that at least at my firm, there's a subtle hint of discrimination in favor of Asians, so who knows. I suspect similar at other firms.

You mean, they FAVOR Asians over other ethnicities? And you expect similar things at other firms? If so, are you non-Asian by any chance?

I'm non-Asian, but I heart Asians. Reality is reality.

[jotarokujo]

I didn't read any of this, but came here to say that at least at my firm, there's a subtle hint of discrimination in favor of Asians, so who knows. I suspect similar at other firms.

Can you give us some examples? [real request not being a punk]

It's my conclusion based on (1) Asian hiring in certain groups that require brilliance and workhorses, and working across from them, and (2) the offers my practice group has historically made. To be blunt, if you want people who will tolerate a lot, you choose accordingly.

are you referring to appellate lit? are asians overrepresented in that

[AAPLTSLADIS]

I didn't read any of this, but came here to say that at least at my firm, there's a subtle hint of discrimination in favor of Asians, so who knows. I suspect similar at other firms.

Can you give us some examples? [real request not being a punk]

It's my conclusion based on (1) Asian hiring in certain groups that require brilliance and workhorses, and working across from them, and (2) the offers my practice group has historically made. To be blunt, if you want people who will tolerate a lot, you choose accordingly.

are you referring to appellate lit? are asians overrepresented in that

No, no. Definitely no. I'm referring to transactional. Deals. Math and Excel.

[Anonymous User]

I a +1 on the fact that Asians are often discriminated against, especially for leadership positions. With that said, I also think there are some firms (and groups in firms) that have turned or are turning that around. In my group at a V25, 40% of the non-partner attorneys are Asians. Three of the last five partners we made were Asian (each picked over a few white males), and the general consensus among the associates (whatever that is worth) is that being Asian is a plus (but not dispositive) factor for one of those up for election soon. Importantly, I don't think anybody can question the credentials of those who made it - in each instance the firm elevated the best associate regardless of race.

[LittleRedCorvette]

I a +1 on the fact that Asians are often discriminated against, especially for leadership positions. With that said, I also think there are some firms (and groups in firms) that have turned or are turning that around. In my group at a V25, 40% of the non-partner attorneys are Asians. Three of the last five partners we made were Asian (each picked over a few white males), and the general consensus among the associates (whatever that is worth) is that being Asian is a plus (but not dispositive) factor for one of those up for election soon. Importantly, I don't think anybody can question the credentials of those who made it - in each instance the firm elevated the best associate regardless of race.

How is being Asian a plus then? Sounds like it's just a meritocracy.

[Anonymous User]

I a +1 on the fact that Asians are often discriminated against, especially for leadership positions. With that said, I also think there are some firms (and groups in firms) that have turned or are turning that around. In my group at a V25, 40% of the non-partner attorneys are Asians. Three of the last five partners we made were Asian (each picked over a few white males), and the general consensus among the associates (whatever that is worth) is that being Asian is a plus (but not dispositive) factor for one of those up for election soon. Importantly, I don't think anybody can question the credentials of those who made it - in each instance the firm elevated the best associate regardless of race.

How is being Asian a plus then? Sounds like it's just a meritocracy.

The department puts up the best candidates, and the firm has diversity goals. It's a plus when those align.

[LittleRedCorvette]

I a +1 on the fact that Asians are often discriminated against, especially for leadership positions. With that said, I also think there are some firms (and groups in firms) that have turned or are turning that around. In my group at a V25, 40% of the non-partner attorneys are Asians. Three of the last five partners we made were Asian (each picked over a few white males), and the general consensus among the associates (whatever that is worth) is that being Asian is a plus (but not dispositive) factor for one of those up for election soon. Importantly, I don't think anybody can question the credentials of those who made it - in each instance the firm elevated the best associate regardless of race.

How is being Asian a plus then? Sounds like it's just a meritocracy.

The department puts up the best candidates, and the firm has diversity goals. It's a plus when those align.

that would be a plus after the fact (and therefore irrelevant to their selection), right?

[Anonymous User]

I a +1 on the fact that Asians are often discriminated against, especially for leadership positions. With that said, I also think there are some firms (and groups in firms) that have turned or are turning that around. In my group at a V25, 40% of the non-partner attorneys are Asians. Three of the last five partners we made were Asian (each picked over a few white males), and the general consensus among the associates (whatever that is worth) is that being Asian is a plus (but not dispositive) factor for one of those up for election soon. Importantly, I don't think anybody can question the credentials of those who made it - in each instance the firm elevated the best associate regardless of race.

Curious about what kind of practice you are in — are you in a finance-related practice?

[Anonymous User]

I a +1 on the fact that Asians are often discriminated against, especially for leadership positions. With that said, I also think there are some firms (and groups in firms) that have turned or are turning that around. In my group at a V25, 40% of the non-partner attorneys are Asians. Three of the last five partners we made were Asian (each picked over a few white males), and the general consensus among the associates (whatever that is worth) is that being Asian is a plus (but not dispositive) factor for one of those up for election soon. Importantly, I don't think anybody can question the credentials of those who made it - in each instance the firm elevated the best associate regardless of race.

Curious about what kind of practice you are in — are you in a finance-related practice?

IP, which is probably a contributing factor.