February 16, 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

FEBRUARY || BLACK HISTORY MONTH

When Working for Racial Justice Means Taking Black History Month Off

Let this Black History Month serve as a reminder of the work that needs to be done year-round.  The New York Times

20% of White Employees Have Sponsors. Only 5% of Black Employees Do.

Executive sponsorship is undoubtedly one of the most effective interventions a company can make to advance and retain underrepresented talent—but lack of access significantly weakens its potential.  Harvard Business Review

Big Companies Are Already Collecting Important Data on Workforce Diversity. More of Them Need to Make It Public.

The more diversity data that’s available, the better we can understand intersections of identity and background, leading to more robust analysis and better-informed decisions.  Fortune

DE&I Development

The Difference Between DEI and Anti-Racism at Work, According to the Diversity Chief of a $37 Billion Company

“Anti-racism is an active term where you are personally responsible,” says DE&I expert Lybra Clemons. “This is about self-awareness and taking full accountability of who you are.”  CNBC Make It

Law Firm Diversity: Five Reasons for the Slow Progress

Don’t let the business case for diversity overshadow its intrinsic value, adjust existing initiatives for greater impact, and give your DE&I leaders the resources they need to succeed.  Bloomberg Law

Do Your Diversity Initiatives Promote Assimilation Over Inclusion?

As you dig deeper into your DE&I efforts for expectations of assimilation, it may be time to reframe professional development, feedback processes, and workplace relationships.  Harvard Business Review

DE&I for Show? Or DE&I for Results?

Achieving true equity and inclusion in a diverse workplace means taking a hard look at company culture, pipeline systems, professional fulfillment, and potential obstacles to opportunities.  SHRM

LCLD Leads on DE&I

Rail Giant Norfolk Southern Promotes Prudential Alum to CLO

2016 Fellow Nabanita Nag is set to take the lead as CLO of Norfolk Southern Corp, succeeding LCLD Member Vanessa Allen Sutherland.  Corporate Counsel

Broadening the Pipeline: How Reed Smith’s New LA Leader Is Creating a Landing Pad for Attorneys

An interview with 2019 Fellow Amber Finch, new office MP at Reed Smith, on the importance of women and minority leadership in law.  The Recorder

Virtual Event |  2022 Actionable Allyship and Inclusive Leadership – Creating an Inclusive Legal Profession

In late February and early March 2022, Dechert LLP is offering a program to engage and educate attorneys on topics such as allyship, white privilege, systemic racism, and unconscious bias.  Dechert LLP

12 Ways Companies Are Boosting Their DEI

DE&I leaders at McDonald’s, Altria, Amazon, and other companies share which strategies have led to tangible positive results.  Chief Executive

Leading for Tomorrow

How Leaders Can Balance the Needs to Perform and to Transform

Three sets of questions to help identify how best to manage your time, stress, and company morale as a leader.  Harvard Business Review

Reimagining the Workplace

Focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as Individual Concepts Is Key to Curbing the Great Resignation

“DE&I strategies start from the top down. Executives need to be genuinely committed to these efforts and hold themselves and others accountable. DE&I cannot be a standalone function that operates independently from day-to-day—it should simply become part of the way things are done.”  Heather Lawley for BenefitsPRO

What’s the Optimal Workplace for Your Organization?

In reimagining workplace structures for the hybrid world, map out how your organization’s needs can be strategically translated into your physical (and virtual) space.  Harvard Business Review

Black History Month is the perfect time to make a meaningful, demonstrable commitment to the diverse talent in your organizations. Sign up for LCLD's Members-only Virtual Leadership Summit on March 1 to learn more about articulating your commitments. Space is limited, so register here today. 

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

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

MARCH 1  |  11 am–2 pm ET  ||  Members Only
LCLD Virtual Leadership Summit
Click here to register. Space is limited, so don't wait!

MARCH 15  |   1–2 pm ET  ||  LCLD Community
Language of Leadership Series with Deneen Donnley (ConEdison)
Click here to view all scheduled Language of Leadership webinars.