The Florida AG issues a new policy within his office to stop using outside law firms that affirm DEI mandates. (Getty Images)
Law firms with a history of so-called racially discriminatory practices will be banned from collaborating with the state unless they demonstrate significant changes, the memo states.
The ban targets law firms involved in several types of DEI programs, including those with Mansfield Certification, which mandates diversity in leadership roles; minority diversity scorecards; and racial diversity targets in hiring, promotions, and contracting.
"My office will immediately commence a review of existing outside counsel engagements to assess compliance with this policy," Uthmeier said.
When reviewing its counsel, the AG's office will also consider "excellent" individual lawyers who "personally reject the DEI and ESG rouses," even if they are part of law firms with DEI programs.
President Donald Trump and a DEI book. (Getty Images)
Florida enacted the Stop WOKE Act in April 2022, which restricted employers from mandating DEI training that could be construed as promoting certain concepts, such as inherent racism or sexism. But a federal district court permanently blocked provisions of this act last year, declaring that it violated free speech rights under the First and 14th Amendments. In 2023, DeSantis signed legislation banning public colleges and universities from allocating state or federal funds to DEI programs.
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In March 2025, the state's high court considered eliminating the requirement that law students graduate from American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited schools due to the ABA's diversity mandates.
Jamie Joseph is a U.S. Politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering transgender and culture issues, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, and stateside legislative developments.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/florida-ag-bans-law-firms-dei-policies-from-serving-outside-counsel