February 22, 2023

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

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Untold History of Black Wealth in America 

This alternative narrative focuses on Mary Ellen Pleasant and Madam C.J. Walker, whose “stories are a humbling reminder—especially in the current age of deepening inequality—that acquiring wealth isn’t just about self-interest. It’s about creating more opportunities for all,” writes Porter Braswell.  Fast Company

Hair at Root of Anti-Discrimination Laws Sweeping Country 

Thanks to the CROWN Act, 18 states have enacted laws against hair-based discrimination since 2019. Attorneys from FordHarrison, Bradley, Greenberg Traurig, and Littler weigh in on the significance of this shift in legislation and company policy.  Corporate Counsel

DEI Development

3 Elements of a Successful Diversity & Inclusion Program

2018 Fellow Dawn Holiday shares how well-intentioned D&I programs miss the mark, and provides the essential elements for success.  Jackson Walker

“Guardians of the Organization”: GCs Embrace Role as Corporate Conscience but Don’t Always Win Out

The 2023 General Counsel Survey Report reveals the importance of codifying department values. “Otherwise,” said Catherine Kemnitz, Axiom’s chief strategy and development officer, “we will quickly start seeing areas of erosions, starting with such important areas as DEI and ESG.”  Corporate Counsel

How to Make Diversity Trainings Better

A collection of feedback on DEI efforts and suggestions for how to improve the experience—and the results—for everyone involved.  The Atlantic

Do You DEI? 5 Ways to Foster Inclusion & Belonging at Work

From pay equity to diverse partnerships, here are a few DEI trend predictions for 2023 and the future of workplace equity.  Forbes 

LCLD Leads on DE&I

Crowell & Moring’s Sponsorship Initiative 10 Years Later

An inside look at Crowell’s success in boosting the diversity of its leadership ranks through efforts led by Ellen Dwyer, Immediate Past Chair of the LCLD Board.  Law360

The Future of Hogan Lovells—and Maybe Big Law—Is Female

Miguel Zaldivar,  CEO of Hogan, discusses with Vivia Chen how the firm produced tangible results in the diversity of their newest partner class, and what it means for the future of law firm leadership.  Bloomberg Law

Measure, Measure, Measure: Why Adobe’s GC Believes Metrics Are So Important 

Dana Rao shares his perspective on leadership, inclusion, and creating the future you want.  Corporate Counsel

Bank of America Names 360 Managing Directors, With Focus on Diversity

More than half of Bank of America’s recent promotions to managing director were awarded to women or people of color.  Bloomberg

Leading for Tomorrow

How Much Do You Need to Know to Be an Ally? 

Kenji Yoshino and David Glasgow, co-authors of Say the Right Thing: How to Talk About Identity, Diversity, and Justice, explore how reflecting on three aspects of knowledge—learning, asking, and scaling—can lead to the most beneficial demonstrations of allyship.  Harvard Business Review

Inclusive Communication Builds Both People and Profits 

Five simple principles to follow if you want to develop essential communication skills for inclusive leadership.  Forbes

4 Ways to Address Your Own Biases Around Mental Health

Acknowledging your personal bias, leading with curiosity, solving challenges collaboratively, and creating a culture of psychological safety are all crucial to eliminating mental health stigma from the workplace.  Harvard Business Review

UPCOMING EVENTS
Members

MARCH 8–9, 2023
Super Pledge Summit: Exploring Collaboration with Google

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA  |  Hosted by LCLD Board Member Halimah DeLaine Prado, GC of Google, LCLD Members will discuss the implementation of their Leader Pledges, with a focus on collaboration between managing partners and general counsel.

MARCH 23–24, 2023
Super Pledge Summit: Exploring Succession Planning with Dominion Energy

RICHMOND, VA  |  Hosted by LCLD Board Member Carlos Brown, GC of Dominion Energy, LCLD Members will discuss the implementation of their Leader Pledges, with a focus on succession planning.

LCLD Community

APRIL 5, 2023 | 1:00 pm ET
Language of Leadership with Maureen Dry-Wasson

WEBINAR  |  Join LCLD President Robert Grey for a candid conversation about personal leadership in DEI with LCLD Member Maureen Dry-Wasson, GC of Major, Lindsey & Africa.
Register and submit questions here.

Stay connected with us on social media!