Happy New Year from LCLD!

January 8, 2025

LCLD Leads on DEI

A Q&A with Sidley Austin’s London Leader

INCLUSIVE CULTURE   After being named International Law Firm of the Year at the British Legal Awards, Sidley Austin’s London head Tom Thesing shares how the global firm invests in and fosters an inclusive culture. “It’s a supportive, inclusive, and collegiate culture, and we as a firm are committed to developing lawyers of all backgrounds to deliver the highest service for clients,” he said.  The American Lawyer

Seyfarth Develops Firm Science Fair to ‘Drive Innovate Thinking’ 

SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES   Seyfarth Shaw recently held a “SEYence Fair” among employees to generate innovative thinking around tech and AI. “Ideas like this are very important culturally to Seyfarth,” explained Firm Chair Lorie Almon. “You have to have a culture that encourages collaboration, encourages thinking outside the box, and understands you can pilot and try things.”  The American Lawyer

DEI Support & Strategy

Did Costco Just Reset the Narrative around DEI?

DEI SUPPORT   Costco’s board of directors recently rejected a shareholder proposal seeking an evaluation of potential risks in the company’s DEI policies. Expressing confidence in the legality of its policies, the board reaffirmed its commitment to DEI, emphasizing the positive impact on relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, and ultimately, shareholders.  HR Dive

The Power of Small Acts of Inclusion

INCLUSIVE CULTURE   One of the most effective ways to foster a strong sense of belonging is to focus on “micro-inclusions” — small but intentional acts that include everyone in the actual process of producing work together.  Harvard Business Review

Corporate DEI Programs Recoil and Rebrand as Pressure Mounts

DEI STRATEGY   Five anti-DEI trends emerged in 2024, ranging from DEI rebranding efforts to Robby Starbuck’s targeted campaigns. But it’s complicated: “While it may look like corporate diversity efforts are drawing to an end, most companies appear to be forging ahead with the majority of their diversity policies and goals — albeit more quietly, so as not to draw adverse attention.”  Bloomberg Law

Continuing the Work of DEI, No Matter What Your Company Calls It

DEI STRATEGY   To navigate the current moment and achieve a greater impact, companies should consider three key shifts in their DEI approach: reframing the narrative, leveraging data more effectively, and fully integrating DEI into their organizational framework.  Harvard Business Review

Your Employees Are Also Caregivers. Here’s How to Support Them.

DEI STRATEGY   73 percent of surveyed US workers reported having some caregiving responsibility, which includes — and goes beyond — childcare. Here’s how leaders can improve a company’s caregiving policies and culture.  Harvard Business Review

Boardroom Diversity Stalls in the Face of Backlash

DEI SUPPORT   Amid lawsuits and anti-DEI backlash, prioritizing diversity on boards and leadership teams has taken a back seat for many companies.  Reuters

Leading for Tomorrow

Changes at the Top: How ‘Different Leadership Skills’ Are Prevailing in Big Law

EDUCATION AND TRAINING   “Law firms are looking to leaders with proven leadership and management experience rather than relying on long and deep success in law practice as leadership criteria,” says Kirsten Keegan Vasquez, partner and vice president at Major, Lindsey and Africa.  The American Lawyer

Our Favorite Management Tips of 2024

LEADER ACCOUNTABILITY   Kick off the new year by reviewing these 10 management tips, covering everything from effective leadership styles to crafting smarter strategic questions.  Harvard Business Review

for LCLD Members & Diversity Professionals

JANUARY 15 @ 1:00 PM ET  |  LCLD Community  |  virtual

Language of Leadership with Vandana Venkatesh

Join LCLD for a candid conversation with Vandana Venkatesh, LCLD Member and Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at Verizon Communications. 

In this installment of LCLD President Robert Grey’s webinar series, Robert and Vandana will discuss Vandana’s personal journey, inclusive leadership, and more. 

JANUARY 29 @ 1:00 PM ET  |  LCLD Community  |  virtual

Embracing Healthy Conflict at Work with Amy Gallo

Join LCLD for a webinar and Q&A with Amy Gallo, workplace expert and host of HBR‘s Women at Work podcast.

Amy will share data and psychology on the importance of embracing healthy conflict at work and its role in creating inclusive cultures.

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