Anti-Affirmative Action Group Ends Lawsuit Against Perkins Coie After Diversity Program Expansion

The American Alliance for Equal Rights, a conservative group aiming to dismantle affirmative action, has dropped its lawsuit against law firm Perkins Coie after the firm expanded its diversity fellowship to students of all backgrounds. The group had sued Perkins Coie and another law firm, Morrison Foerster, alleging that their diversity fellowships violated federal law by being open only to certain underrepresented groups. The conservative group dropped its lawsuit against Morrison Foerster after the firm opened its fellowship to all students. Edward Blum, president of the alliance, expressed hope that other law firms with similar programs would proactively open them to all law students to avoid legal action. Perkins Coie's managing partner stated that the firm is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive workplace.