January 19, 2022

LCLD Diversity News Digest

Customized for LCLD Members and Diversity Professionals, this weekly digest brings the latest, most relevant headlines straight to your inbox each Wednesday. Scroll down for thought-provoking articles about LCLD organizations, diversity in the legal profession, leadership and talent development, and the society we live in and serve.

On the Need for Equity in America

Marchers Honor King and Call on Senate to Pass Voting Rights Legislation

Relatives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrated in Washington the day before the Senate returned to debate new voting rights legislation.  The New York Times

These Companies Are Following Through on Their Promises on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“Advancing DEI is a societal challenge—not a competitive one—and companies collaborating will be more effective in moving beyond incremental change to build more equitable workplaces and communities.”  Tim Ryan and Traci Fiatte for Fortune

Here’s How to Have the Most Powerful DEI Conversations

Seven workplace “community agreements” that use intentionality to transform difficult discussions into powerful conversations around DE&I.  Entrepreneur

The 2021 Class of Summer Associates Was ‘Most Diverse Ever Measured in Every Way,’ New NALP Report Says

The representation of summer associates of color has seen the largest gain in three decades; the percentages of women and LGBTQ+ summer associates also increased.  ABA Journal

Diverse Leaders in Law: Big Ideas to Help Women Advance in Law

Key takeaways from a conversation between women attorneys at Barnes & Thornburg and Frost Brown Todd on how to narrow the gender gap in legal leadership. Columbus CEO

LCLD Leads on DE&I

Wiggin and Dana Elevates DEI Role to Senior Management Level

Wiggin and Dana recently announced the creation of a Chief DEI Officer position to support the “firm’s commitment to embedding DEI principals and making greater tangible progress across the firm and in the legal profession.”  General Counsel News

Major Companies, Legal Chiefs Step Up to Support Equal Rights Amendment

More than 80 companies, including several LCLD Members, have signed an amicus brief backing the adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment.  Corporate Counsel

Vinson & Elkins Gives University $1 Million for Texas Diversity

Vinson & Elkins’ donation will help support free mentorship, LSAT prep, and fellowships for prospective Texas law students from underrepresented backgrounds.  Bloomberg News

Leading for Tomorrow

Finding the Right Balance—and Flexibility—in Your Leadership Style

In the modern workplace, range is crucial to effective leadership; here’s a three-step strategy to help you broaden your “leadership sweet range.”  Harvard Business Review

Why Reverse Mentoring May Not Be the DE&I Fix It's Made Out to Be

“The aim is not to make it as easy as possible for execs to get educated on DE&I, but rather to make it as easy as possible for diverse staff to be acknowledged, rewarded, and celebrated for their work and potential alone….”   Bontle Senne for Forbes

Donna Dockery Shares Research on Why Most Diversity Trainings Fail

A conversation with anti-racism educator and clinical psychologist Donna Dockery on boosting the impact of your diversity training programs, from better education on hair discrimination and tone policing to interventions like sponsorship programs and accountability measures.  Forbes

Reimagining the Workplace

How to Be Impactful When Working Remotely

Advice from leading in-house counsel at VMware, PayPal, and Uber on effectively influencing your team, even when you’re not physically in the room.  Corporate Counsel

11 Trends that Will Shape Work in 2022 and Beyond

Keep tabs on these factors—from DE&I and wellness to remote work and Covid regulations—that will continue to affect the way we work this year and into the future.  Harvard Business Review

Last week, Mark Morris (Fox Rothschild LLP) and Mala Harker (Friedman Kaplan Seiler & Adelman LLP) published their Leader Pledges outlining their strategic action plans to advance diverse attorneys.

Sign up for our Virtual March Leadership Summit (LCLD Members only) to discuss how to create an impactful Leader’s Pledge.

See the full list of LCLD Members who have made their commitments public here, and learn more about how you can join the movement here.

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

Upcoming Events: Members & Diversity Professionals

JANUARY 25  |  12–1 pm ET  ||  Diversity Professionals
[ NEW ]  LCLD Virtual Office Hours with Robert Grey, Jr.

JANUARY 28  ||  Diversity Professionals + Members
2022 Fellows Nomination Period Closes
2022 Pathfinder Nomination Period Closes

FEBRUARY 22  |  12–1 pm ET  ||  Diversity Professionals
[ NEW ]  LCLD Virtual Office Hours with Robert Grey, Jr.

MARCH 1  |  11 am–2 pm ET  ||  Members Only
LCLD Virtual Leadership Summit