Impacto Award, American Bar Association Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights and Responsibilities
2025 Diversity Awards Reception, Honoring Excellence in Latino Civic Engagement
| We strive to create a community where all people live authentically and treat others with respect and dignity. As individuals, we remain diligent and purposeful in our interactions to ensure everyone feels valued and included. Our differences unite us and make us stronger, enriching our understanding and expanding our perspectives. By standing together and trusting one another, we can make progress toward a more inclusive workplace and community. | We are proud to count staff from over fifty nationalities among our colleagues. Our wide range of perspectives and inclusive culture enhance productivity, creativity, and innovation in the workplace—strengthening the quality of our work and the support we provide to our clients and experts. |
“For more than two decades, my path and purpose have converged at Cornerstone Research. Today, I am proud to lead an organization that stands for something more. We strive to create a culture of service, nurturing a supportive community that can, in turn, offer support to others.”—Rahul Guha
“We work every day to build a community where people truly feel supported. Our affinity groups are an important part of that. Our goal is to grow a culture of belonging where all employees feel valued.”—Fernanda Schmid
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Rahul Guha
Rahul Guha
Chief Executive Officer
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Fernanda L. Schmid
Fernanda L. Schmid
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Affinity Groups
The firm supports formal affinity groups that meet regularly to build community and connection. These currently include: C-Her+, C-Hopstick, C-Nosotros, C-Parents, C-Pride, C-Rangoli, and Onyx.
All employees are welcome to join and attend all affinity group events, including employees who wish to serve as allies, regardless of whether they identify with the target demographic or not. Led by staff across the firm, affinity groups provide support, drive awareness and understanding, and ensure that every individual feels seen and valued.
Building Pathways to Leadership
Within our firm, we emphasize the importance of collaboration to deliver excellent work to our clients. Senior staff encourage and cultivate the next generation of leaders through mindful mentoring and fostering opportunities for all employees to build relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
Since Cornerstone Research’s founding, women have played critical leadership roles. Two of our three cofounders are women, and women continue to be represented at all levels across our firm.
Recruiting and Staff Development
Cornerstone Research has developed partnerships with several organizations to attract a broad range of talent. In so doing, we support our firm’s strong culture, provide a richer environment for our staff, and offer varying perspectives and solutions to our clients.
In addition, the firm offers career development programs for first- and second-year undergraduate students from all backgrounds. The programs seek to attract students who enrich the firm as a result of their adaptability, cultural fluency, resilience, and life experiences.
To learn more about our recruitment programs, please see our calendar.
Events
Women’s Forums
Across our offices, we host regular Women’s Forum events to foster discussion of thought-provoking topics relevant to women professionals. We encourage anyone who is interested to attend these events, regardless of gender.
Organizations We Support
Cornerstone Research is proud to sponsor organizations committed to equal access to opportunity and inclusion. Below are some of our recent sponsorships.
GLAD
Annual Spirit of Justice Award Dinner
Out 4 Undergrad
Career conferences for students who want to live and work in an inclusive community, including LGBTQ2+ students
Howard University American Economic Association Summer Program
Preparing talented undergraduates for doctoral programs in economics and related disciplines
Spotlight Award
GlamourGals Foundation
Cinco de Música
ABA Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights & Responsibilities
Stonewall Award
ABA Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Margaret Brent Awards
ABA Commission on Women in the Profession
Year Up
Job training to close the opportunity divide.
South Asian Bar Association of New York
Dedicated to the needs, concerns, and interests of lawyers of South Asian heritage.
Women’s White Collar Defense Association
Promotes diversity in the legal profession.
Mobilization for Justice
Offers free legal assistance to low-income New Yorkers.
Law Foundation of Silicon Valley
Provides free legal services to Silicon Valley individuals in need.
Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert
Support services for underserved communities and women and families in crisis due to breast cancer.
Martin Luther King Jr. Awards
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (LCCRSF)
New York City Urban Debate League
Focusing on academic debate opportunities for students from underserved communities.
Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia
Gold level sponsorship of the 2023 WBA Golf Classic
Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
Supporting women lawyers in building important personal and professional relationships.