The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has written to 42 law firms warning that certain DEI hiring practices could be unfair and potentially anticompetitive. The letters seek information about recruitment and hiring policies and underscore the agency's view that DEI-focused coordination could raise competition concerns. The action comes amid federal and private rollbacks of some DEI programs, and the FTC named several major firms among the recipients.
FTC Flags DEI Hiring At 42 Law Firms As Potentially Anticompetitive
FILE PHOTO: United States Federal Trade Commission logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration created on April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Friday said it had sent letters to 42 law firms warning that certain diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices could be potentially unfair and anticompetitive.
What the FTC Said
The agency characterized DEI-focused recruitment and hiring coordination as possibly running afoul of competition rules, prompting the outreach to dozens of firms. The letters—sent as part of the FTC's broader review—ask recipients to explain their practices and the basis for any hiring policies tied to DEI objectives.
Firms Named
The FTC said the notices went to a range of national law firms, including Alston & Bird, Holland & Knight, Hogan Lovells, Ogletree Deakins and Perkins Coie.
Context
The action follows a nationwide rollback of some DEI programs: the Trump administration eliminated several DEI-related initiatives in the federal government, and some private employers have scaled back similar efforts. The FTC's move signals heightened regulatory scrutiny of how employers implement DEI policies and whether any coordination or exclusionary practices could harm competition.
Reporting note: Reporting by Costas Pitas; editing by David Ljunggren.
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