April 27, 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

Diversity in Biglaw: Same Old Rhetoric or Reason for Optimism?

While the percentage of diverse partners at top firms has risen slightly, the percentage of diverse lawyers has remained unchanged. Achieving substantial and meaningful changes in representation requires—above all—the personal commitment and engagement of law firm leaders.  Above the Law

US Federal Agencies Publish First-Ever Plans to Enhance Equity and Inclusion

Three hundred action plans, with approaches ranging from data collection to grant access, explain how nearly 100 government departments and agencies will “embed equity in day-to-day governing,” the White House said.  Global Government Forum

DE&I Development

DEI Matters More than Ever in the Red-Hot Talent War—Here’s How to Kick-Start Your Journey

It’s no secret that DE&I is essential to attracting and retaining talent, but successful DE&I is more than a numbers game—it hinges on transformative leadership, grappling with tough questions, and tailoring efforts to your organization’s unique needs.  Mondaq

A Different Approach For DEI: Using Laughter to Help Ease Resistance and Shift Perspectives

Incorporating playful exploration into DE&I planning can help ease anxieties, invite open dialogue, and create shared experiences—ultimately leading to greater collaboration and forward momentum.  Forbes

How to Shrink the DE&I Gaps in Leadership Development

Practical tips for leveling the playing field in pursuit of leadership development.  Daily Herald

5 Factors Every Successful DEI Policy Should Have, According to an Expert

Start by setting “S.M.A.R.T.” goals: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.  CNBC Make It

LCLD Leads on DE&I

Which Law Firms Are Tops for Diversity, Culture? Yale Law Women Releases 2022 Findings

LCLD Member firms swept the winning spots and honorable mentions across categories, with Orrick named the Top Firm for Diversity.  ABA Journal

Morrison & Foerster Named a Finalist in Three Categories for Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards North America

Bonnie Lau, 2013 Fellow and Immediate Past Chair of the LCLD Alumni Executive Council, has been named a “Lawyer of the Year”; and 2016 Fellow Alexis Amezcua has been named a finalist for “Outstanding Contributions” to the firm’s DE&I efforts.  Morrison & Foerster

Women of Influence: Attorneys 2022

Thirty LCLD Member firms and four Fellows were honored for their demonstrated impact on the legal profession in the LA community.  Los Angeles Business Journal

Leading for Tomorrow

7 Realization Practices for Surviving and Thriving as a Business Leader

Recommendations for overcoming qualms about your impact, personal satisfaction, and motivation as a leader.  Inc. Magazine

Reimagining the Workplace

Hybrid Work: Making It Fit with Your DE&I Strategy

“Make no mistake: tapping the benefits of a more inclusive hybrid work culture is difficult, delicate work”—but the potential for widespread positive impact is worth the effort.  McKinsey Quarterly

Last week, Lou Brenner (Navy Federal Credit Union), Ellen Cappellanti (Jackson Kelly PLLC), and Betty Temple (Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP) published their Leader Pledges.

As a reminder, LCLD Members must submit a Leader’s Pledge by June 1 to remain engaged with LCLD. 

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 Member Programs and Communications Manager.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Members & Diversity Professionals

APR. 30   ||   Diversity Professionals
2022 1L Scholar Registration Closes
Register each of your 1L Scholar summer interns here.

MAY 2   |   12 pm ET   ||   Members + Diversity Professionals
Leaders at the Front Office Hours
Register here for answers to all your LATF questions in advance of the June 1 deadline.

MAY 11   |   1 pm ET   ||   LCLD Community
Language of Leadership Series with Sandra Leung (Bristol Myers Squibb)
Register and submit questions here. Click here to view all scheduled Language of Leadership webinars.

MAY 18   |   12 pm ET   ||   Members + Diversity Professionals
Last Chance! Leaders at the Front Office Hours
Register here for answers to all your LATF questions two weeks out from the June 1 deadline.

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