August 17, 2022

LCLD Diversity News Digest

Here you’ll find the latest diversity, equity, and inclusion news, resources, tips, and thought leadership, curated biweekly for today’s legal leaders—LCLD’s Members—and Diversity Professionals.

On the Need for Equity in America

Employers Narrow Gap Between DEI Intention and Action, Survey Says

Over the last year, companies have dedicated increased resources to DEI leaders and initiatives—and the result, though incremental, is progress.  HR Dive

Board Diversity Is Sacrificed When Companies Underperform

A recent study of 700+ U.S. companies from 1996 to 2013 shows that when “leaders search for a quick solution, boards can become less inclusive as executives…unconsciously seek directors that have similar backgrounds.”  Time

DEI Development

Setting a Place at the Table: Practical Recommendations to Ensure DEI Leaders Represent All

Stradley Chief Diversity Officer Brian Seaman offers tips for navigating the nuances of effective DEI efforts.  The Legal Intelligencer

Men, Stop Calling Yourselves Allies. Act Like One.

“Instead of self-labeling, the authors offer six rules to live by for men who aspire to better ally behavior in the service of promoting real gender equity in the workplace.”  Harvard Business Review

Where Do Justice and Liberation Fit into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

Questions to help leaders probe deeper into how your organization centers the true purpose of DEI efforts.  Forbes

LCLD Leads on DE&I

‘Legal Departments Should Care About Justice’: Why Liberty Mutual’s CLO Values His In-House Leader Role

“Part of the legal department’s role is helping the company exhibit and keep its values as a company," says Damon Hart, CLO of Liberty Mutual Insurance.  Corporate Counsel

2022 Member Firms: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Framework

Of the 43 firms named as members of Bloomberg Law’s 2022 DEI Framework, 36 are LCLD Members.  Bloomberg Law

The Big Law Firms Where Women Are Most Satisfied with Their Jobs

According to a recent survey of 4,000 associates, seven LCLD Member firms were named the best of the best when it comes to fostering women’s careers.  Above the Law

Gibson Dunn Chief Diversity Officer Promoted to Partnership

“I witnessed firsthand the impact of Zakiyyah [Salim-Williams]’s tireless efforts,” said Chair and MP Barbara Becker. “Her vision and dedication have been instrumental in the significant strides the firm has made.”  Gibson Dunn

Leading for Tomorrow

If You Say Yes to This Question, Your Leadership Skills Are Better Than Those of Most Bosses

Research on performance and psychological safety shows that the best leaders balance results with relationships.  SHRM

Reimagining the Workplace

‘Be More Intentional’: How GCs Are Building Camaraderie Amid Hybrid Work

Employee trust, growth, development, and satisfaction don’t occur by happenstance as they once did; the new normal calls for increased intentionality, adaptability, and empathy.  Corporate Counsel

Chief Talent Officer Reflects on Building Firm Culture During Covid

Insights from Troutman Pepper’s chief legal talent officer on driving business goals through successful culture-strengthening and talent strategies.  Bloomberg Law

Legal Diversity Group Head on His Reasons for Optimism

“I am more optimistic now than I ever have been,” said LCLD President Robert Grey. “There is a different understanding by this generation of leaders because they've had more diverse experiences themselves.

“There has to be a systemic, sustainable change in the approach to a more equitable environment that has to take place. And I see that. I see the interest in that, I see the desire in that, and now I'm looking at the commitment toward that.”  Law360 

If you have questions about the Leaders at the Front initiative, please contact Caitlin Puffenberger, LCLD Member Programs and Communications Manager.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Members & Diversity Professionals

AUGUST 31   |  2:00 pm ET   ||   Diversity Professionals
LCLD Diversity Professionals' Virtual Meeting
Join LCLD staff and fellow Diversity Pros to receive updates and ask questions about LCLD programs and initiatives. Register here.

SEPTEMBER 22–23    ||   LCLD Members + Guests
13th Annual LCLD Membership Meeting
It's official: the annual LCLD Membership Meeting will convene in person this fall! Accenture CEO Julie Sweet and NYU Law professor Kenji Yoshino will join us in launching the next phase of Leaders at the Front: Transforming Tomorrow.

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