Middle Eastern and North African Affinity Group

Our affinity groups welcome and encourage participation from lawyers, patent personnel, paralegals and business professionals.

The Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Affinity Group is dedicated to fostering a sense of unity and belonging among MENA lawyers, patent personnel, paralegals and business professionals across Cooley.

MENA identity is not monolithic; no single group or individual experience is identical. The MENA Affinity Group seeks to create a safe and supportive environment where members can share their experiences and challenges, amplifying the diverse voices and narratives of the MENA community. Its mission is to celebrate the vibrant histories, cultures and achievements of Cooley’s MENA community while raising awareness of the unique issues faced by its members. 

Through events, educational initiatives and cultural celebrations, the affinity group seeks to elevate the visibility of MENA heritage at the firm. Affinity group members are committed to fostering an inclusive and connected workplace by serving as ambassadors of MENA identities, along with recruiting, mentoring and supporting MENA and other historically underrepresented individuals throughout their careers.

The affinity group was formed in September 2023, several months after Cooley introduced MENA as a race/ethnicity option for employees when self-identifying in the firm’s human resources platform. In spring 2024, the US government announced the historic addition of a MENA census category, allowing for a more accurate representation of racial and ethnic identities, which will better inform voting districts, enforce civil rights protections, and guide research and policy. These firm and federal milestones proudly acknowledge the various races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, cultures and identities encompassed by MENA.