January 5, 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

The Striking Race Gap in Corporate America

A recent review of the 50 most valuable public companies reveals that only 8 percent of C-suite executives are Black, and that diversity chiefs are often not adequately empowered to shift the narrative.  The Washington Post

Betty White’s Inclusion Legacy

After nearly 100 years of life and an 80-year career, the legendary actress has left the building—but her lifelong commitment to allyship and equality continues to burn bright.  Forbes

Diversity and Inclusion: Moving Beyond Buzzwords

Here are three major strategies to help move from words to actions—and from actions to results.  Forbes

LCLD Leads on DE&I

Challenges Met, Lessons Learned: In-House Leaders Share Top Takeaways From 2021

“This past year reinforced for me the wisdom and importance of my grandmother’s advice to ‘put people first,’” says Ivan Fong, GC of 3M. “That means remembering to lead mindfully, to demonstrate grace, empathy, and compassion, and to value my own well-being as well as that of those around me.”  Corporate Counsel

At Sidley, Firm Seeking Diversity Through More Paths

Five of Sidley Austin’s 10 office managers are now women, demonstrating the firm’s efforts to coordinate its diversity and talent goals.  The American Lawyer

2021 National Law Review Thought Leadership Awards

Twenty-one LCLD Member firms were recognized for exceptionally innovative contributions published by their attorneys over the last year.  The National Law Review

Crain’s Notable Businesses Championing Diversity and Inclusion: ‘Best in Class’ Award Winners

Dinsmore & Shohl was recently named ‘Best in Class’ for diversity in the legal profession by the Greater Cleveland Partnership.  Crain’s

Leading for Tomorrow

10 Leadership Skills for Lawyers to Excel in 2022

From adaptability to effective communication, the growing generation of new lawyers has high expectations for its leaders. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the curve.  The National Law Review

By the Numbers: Five New Big Law Leaders Take Charge in 2022

For the first time in the firms’ histories, Sidley Austin and Steptoe & Johnson have elected women as executive committee chairs.  Bloomberg Law

Reimagining the Workplace

4 New Year Resolutions All Leaders Should Consider for 2022

As the workplace evolves, leaders must evolve with it. Here are a few lessons and reflections from 2021 to carry into the future.  Inc.com

In-House Counsel’s Role in Bridging the Generation ‘We’ Gap

The up-and-coming generation of employees is more tech-savvy, social justice­–focused, and environmentally aware than in the past. It takes forward-looking GCs to rise to the challenge and design “future-proof” legal frameworks for the workplace.  Corporate Counsel

Over the holidays, seven more LCLD Members joined their fellow Leaders at the Front: Dana Rosenfeld (Kelley Drye & Warren LLP), Dean Cannon (GrayRobinson, P.A.), Stephen Gauster (MetLife Inc.), James Segerdahl (K&L Gates LLP), David Taylor (Locke Lord LLP), Gregg Eisenberg (Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP), and James Rosenthal (Wilkinson Stekloff LLP).

How are you incorporating DE&I into your strategic planning for 2022? Sign up for our Virtual March Leadership Summit (LCLD Members only) to discuss how to create an impactful Leader’s Pledge.

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

JANUARY 12  |  2–3 pm ET  ||  Diversity Professionals
Diversity Professionals' Virtual Meeting: January 2022

JANUARY 19  |  1 pm ET  ||  Members + LCLD Community
Language of Leadership Series with Katie Rowen (Vontier Corporation)

JANUARY 25  |  12–1 pm ET  ||  Diversity Professionals
[ NEW ]  LCLD Virtual Office Hours with Robert Grey, Jr.