Happy Holiday Season from LCLD

December 13, 2023

Please note that, due to the holidays, there will be no 12/27/23 issue of the Diversity News Digest. The newsletter will resume for the new year on 1/10/24.

On the Need for Equity in America

The Diversity Dilemma: A Time for Change

DEI SUPPORT & STRATEGY   This three-part series explores the evolution of the diversity leader, weaknesses in diversity training, and how threats to corporate and law firm DEI may impact long-term goals.  SHRM

America’s Black Attorneys General Discuss Race, Politics, and the Justice System

DIVERSE LEADERSHIP   Explore how a “crisis of trust” is pervading communities across the U.S., affecting “people of all races and across the political spectrum.”  Daily Report

Research: How Women Improve Decision-Making on Boards

DIVERSE LEADERSHIP   A recent study of 200+ major companies shows the tangible ways the presence of women uniquely improves the quality of discussions and decisions.  Harvard Business Review

DEI Support & Strategy

Advancing DEI in 2024: Strategies for Leaders and Changemakers

DEI SUPPORT & STRATEGY   The focus has shifted from “why” DEI is essential to “how” we can most effectively put it into practice. Recognizing and maintaining this new focus is crucial as you “lead the charge in creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated, equity is foundational, and inclusion is a lived experience for all.”   Forbes

Professional Development Helps Lawyers Ascend to GC Posts

TALENT DEVELOPMENT   How effective are your programs in developing leaders? Dive into these statistics behind the success of various development opportunities.  Legal Dive

How Should Midsize Firms Navigate DEI Landmines?

DEI STRATEGY   DEI professionals urge firms to review DEI efforts for legality while ingraining the underlying principles into firm culture — rather than respond to threats based on fear.  ALM Mid-Market Pro

6 Ways to Embrace Neurodiversity in Leadership Development

TALENT DEVELOPMENT   “Ultimately, redesigning leadership development programs to serve neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals equally transcends traditional notions of inclusivity — it’s a strategic evolution, a commitment to embracing the full spectrum of human talent and perspective in leadership.”  Forbes

LCLD Leads on DEI

An Am Law CDO’s Take: The Impact of the Middle East Crisis on DEI in U.S. Firms

DEI SUPPORT & STRATEGY   LCLD Diversity Pro Yusuf Zakir of Davis Wright Tremaine offers thoughtful, timely commentary on how the crisis abroad affects DEI in domestic law practice.  The American Lawyer

How Some Law Firms Are Reimagining Succession Planning

SUCCESSION PLANNING   Explore how different firms are rethinking their approaches to origination credit, client inheritance, and leadership structures with Bob Bodian of Mintz; Damon Hart of Liberty Mutual; David Wilkins of Harvard Law School; and leaders at Fried Frank, Holland & Knight, Katten, and Vinson & Elkins.  Forbes

How Law Firms Can Create Positive Workforce Culture

INCLUSIVE CULTURE   Explore how Clark Hill and McGuireWoods make planning for the future a conversation about culture — and how your firm can do the same.  U.S. News & World Report

They Aren’t Rainmakers, But In-House Counsel Need to Build Ties

TALENT DEVELOPMENT   In her column, 2018 Fellow Brittany Johnson of Starbucks argues that in-house attorneys who build “strong connections with internal clients and other support functions can drive tangible business results.”  Bloomberg Law

Leading for Tomorrow

Kenneth Frazier on His Unlikely Path to Merck CEO, the Current State of the Profession, and More

DIVERSE LEADERSHIP   Kenneth Frazier, Merck CEO, shares personal and professional stories from his journey to leadership.  Forbes

How to Overcome Proximity Bias in Today’s Remote Workforce

MENTORSHIP | INCLUSIVE CULTURE   “Intentional mentorship of remote teams, especially women and people of color, as they begin entering the workforce can offer a roadmap for today’s WFH reality.”  Fast Company

HBR On Leadership Podcast | The Power of Selfless Leadership

LEADERSHIP   Learn how to cultivate self-awareness and selflessness as a leader — without being a pushover.  Harvard Business Review

for LCLD Members & Diversity Professionals

Last Day to Nominate: JANUARY 10, 2024

Don’t Wait to Nominate 2024 Fellows and Pathfinders

Both programs are now accepting nominations through January 10, 2024.

Our Fellows and Pathfinder programs offer professional and personal development opportunities, leadership training, relationship-building resources, and an Alumni network 5,000+ strong.

JANUARY 10 @ 2:00 PM ET  |  Diversity Professionals  |  virtual

Diversity Professionals’ Virtual Meeting: January 2024

Join LCLD staff and your fellow Diversity Professionals for a new year’s regroup.

LCLD staff will provide updates and answers to all your 2024 programming questions.

JANUARY 17 @ 1:00 PM ET  |  LCLD Community  |  virtual

Language of Leadership Series: Chonda Nwamu, Ameren

Join LCLD for a candid conversation with Chonda Nwamu, 2013 Fellow, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary at Ameren.

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

Stay connected with us!