—   Disability Pride Month   —

July 10, 2024

On the Need for Equity in America

Amid Sluggish Growth and ‘Significant Leaks’ in the Pipeline, Top Firms Invest in Women Associates and Partners Alike

DIVERSE PIPELINE   Data from 247 firms shows that women made up 28 percent of all partners, 50 percent of all associates, and 42 percent of all “other” attorneys, revealing a concerning attrition rate in the legal talent pipeline. However, there is a silver lining: firms with a higher percentage of women associates also have more women equity partners.  The American Lawyer

How Black Leaders Can Protect Their Wellbeing from Microaggressions

INCLUSIVE CULTURE   Despite increased spending on workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives after 2020, the data shows that the rate at which Black leaders experience microaggressions at work has not declined.  Forbes

Pro Bono Hours Creeping Toward Pre-Pandemic Levels

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS   Pro bono hours at firms grew overall in 2023, but the total is still well behind the levels achieved before the pandemic. To boost participation, firms can engage their leadership, promote pro bono work when onboarding lawyers, and increase the visibility of pro bono initiatives.  The American Lawyer 

DEI Support & Strategy

How ‘Carewashing’ Alienates Employees

INCLUSIVE CULTURE   When leaders claim to prioritize employee wellness — a tactic that can improve diversity and hiring metrics — but fail to follow through, they may be “carewashing.” Here’s how to avoid the pitfalls of carewashing and build a healthy work culture.  Harvard Business Review

Should Mental Health Be Included in Partner Compensation?

EDUCATION & TRAINING   When asked how the legal profession could improve mental health, attorneys suggested starting with better management practices. “Partners are rarely, if ever, good managers of people,” one lawyer said. Suggested changes included 360-degree feedback for partners, emotional intelligence training, and general leadership training.  The American Lawyer 

Podcast | What Is Psychological Safety, Really? 

INCLUSIVE CULTURE   Learn how to define psychological safety, why it’s so important, how to figure out if your team has it, and what to do if it doesn’t.  HBR on Leadership

HBR’s Picks on Managing Social and Political Issues at Work

DEI STRATEGY   With election season looming, HBR’s editors offer a collection of articles for leaders on when to speak out at work, how to navigate conflict, and how to cultivate a culture of open dialogue.  Harvard Business Review

LCLD Leads on DEI

Advancing Neurodiversity Inclusion in the Legal Profession

DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH   Foley Hoag is hosting a webinar on July 24 about the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the legal industry and practical strategies for fostering a supportive environment, from law school to the workplace. Learn more and register here.  Foley Hoag

The 2024 Pro Bono Scorecard

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS   LCLD Members comprised all top 20 firms ranked for pro bono hours in 2023. From Title IX to asylum cases, firms demonstrated their commitment to pro bono work and contributing to meaningful societal change.  The American Lawyer 

Leading for Tomorrow

Title VII’s Future Will Be Shaped By AI, Attorneys Say

HIRING & RECRUITMENT   With the rising adoption of AI in the employment process — from recruiting and hiring to employee surveillance tech — employers must thoroughly vet tools to avoid using those that carry a high risk of discrimination.  HR Dive 

for LCLD Members & Diversity Professionals

JULY 25–26  |  LCLD Members  |  Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA

2024 Institute for the Modern Inclusive Leader

Registration is open for the 2024 Institute for the Modern Inclusive Leader (previously the LCLD Leadership Summit).

LCLD’s Managing Partner and General Counsel Members are invited to join us for this two-day event at Harvard Law School. During interactive sessions led by Harvard professors, we will explore what it means to lead inclusively and develop talent equitably in the face of disruptions like AI and a changing legal landscape.

AUGUST 15  @ 2:00 PM ET  |  LCLD Members  |  virtual

Language of Leadership with April Miller Boise

Join LCLD for a candid conversation with April Miller Boise, Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at Intel Corporation. 

In this installment of LCLD President Robert Grey’s webinar series, Robert and April will discuss how leaders can use their personal commitments to DEI to drive change. 

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