Firms respond to a growing trend of hate incidents against Asian and Pacific Islander communities
In response to a growing trend of violence against Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States, several leading law firms have released statements denouncing all forms of race-based hate incidents.
Last week, a gunman killed eight people – including six people of Asian heritage – at three different massage parlours in Atlanta.
The attack was the latest in a rising trend of violence against Asians. According to non-profit group Stop AAPI, there were 3,795 hate incidents against Asians and Pacific Islanders in the US from March 19, 2020 to February 28, 2021. And according to the Pew Research Center, about three-in-ten Asian adults (31%) say they “have been subject to slurs or jokes because of their race or ethnicity since the outbreak began.”
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Responding to the trend, Dentons said that they “remain steadfast in our efforts to combat all forms of discrimination, and we condemn any act of racism, bigotry, xenophobia, or violence.”
“Dentons supports and stands with our Asian-American and Pacific Islander colleagues, family and friends,” the firm said in a statement. “We condemn racism. We stand together against hate.”
Meanwhile, DLA Piper said that they “extend our support and commitment of solidarity with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community.”
“As a firm, DLA Piper denounces discriminative rhetoric and actions, and supports those who have been victims of harassment and violence,” the firm said. “We will continue to pursue ways where we can make an immediate difference in our respective communities, using our legal skills, and the immense resources of our firm and its people, to fight injustice.”
Adding to those statements, the executive committee of Baker Mackenzie said that they “stand in solidarity with our Asian and Pacific Islander colleagues, and condemn these vile acts of hatred, violence, and racism.”
“As with any form of racism, we will not stand for it in our firm or anywhere it occurs,” the firm said. “It is incumbent upon all of us to advance an inclusive culture at Baker McKenzie by focusing on allyship and anti-racism and standing strong in support of our Asian and Pacific Islander colleagues.”
Lastly, Latham & Watkins chair and managing partner Rich Trobman and chair of the diversity leadership committee Kem Ihenacho said that the recent mass shooting in Atlanta “is but one shocking reminder of the reach and impact of race- and gender-based hatred at a time that calls for unity and healing.”
“The Latham community unequivocally condemns these attacks and racism and violence in all its forms,” they said. “As advocates for justice, we have a unique responsibility to advance racial justice and equality and will continue to actively support all communities affected by racism, through our pro bono work, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.”