January 22, 2025

LCLD Leads on DEI

Apple Backs Its Diversity Policies, Calling Anti-DEI Proposal ‘Restricting’

DEI SUPPORT   Apple’s board of directors has rejected a proposal for Apple to consider abolishing its DEI policies. Apple backed its policies and “well-established compliance program,” encouraging shareholders to vote against the proposal at its annual shareholder meeting.  CNN

Young Leaders Share Their Dreams for the Future at Foley’s Annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS   For over three decades, Foley has hosted an Annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition to help foster the next generation of leaders. “This event has grown from a simple idea to inspire the community into a tradition that maintains that same sentiment and now spans three cities, thousands of students, and countless unforgettable moments of wisdom and hope,” said Daljit Doogal, CEO of Foley.  Foley & Lardner

Newly Merged Ballard Spahr Prioritizes ‘Coaching Aspect’ of Training New Associates

TALENT DEVELOPMENT   Ballard Spahr’s attrition rate has steadily declined year over year, a trend one firm leader attributes partly to its first-year integration program, Ballard Blueprint. Offering tailored support for new associates, the program focuses on business development coaching and peer group coaching.  The American Lawyer

DEI Support & Strategy

In Costco’s Defense of DEI Efforts, Lessons for Business Leaders

DEI STRATEGY   Costco’s defense of its DEI policies provides a valuable roadmap for organizations committed to diversity. The board emphasized how DEI initiatives are integral to the company’s growth strategy, organizational culture, and talent retention.  Forbes

Black, Hispanic Law Student Enrollment Falls at Top 14 Following End of Affirmative Action

DIVERSE PIPELINE   The first class to enter law school post-SFFA includes a higher percentage of Asian students but lower percentages of Black and Hispanic men, with these trends being more pronounced at the nation’s top 14 law schools.  The Recorder

Trump Signs Two Orders to Dismantle Equity Policies

DEI SUPPORT   On his first day back in office, President Trump signed orders to cut federal support for racial equity programs and eliminate chief diversity officer roles established during the Biden administration. The orders also dismissed the validity of gender identity and revoked protections for transgender people.  The New York Times

The ‘Motherhood Advantage’ in Law: Time to Flip the Script

INCLUSIVE CULTURE   Two WilmerHale attorneys challenge the “motherhood penalty” narrative by highlighting the value and unique strengths mothers bring to the workplace. Drawing on WilmerHale’s parent-neutral and inclusive leave policies, they also share how law firms can better support working mothers.  The American Lawyer

Leading for Tomorrow

Six Questions to Find Out How Your Employees Are Really Doing

INCLUSIVE CULTURE   These six questions can help leaders move beyond surface-level interactions and better support the development of employees.  Harvard Business Review

for LCLD Members & Diversity Professionals

JANUARY 29 @ 1:00 PM ET  |  LCLD Community  |  virtual

Embracing Healthy Conflict at Work with Amy Gallo

Join LCLD for a webinar and Q&A with Amy Gallo, workplace expert and host of HBR’s Women at Work podcast.

Amy will share data and psychology on the importance of embracing healthy conflict at work and its role in creating inclusive cultures.

FEBRUARY 3 @ 2:00 PM ET  |  Diversity Professionals  |  virtual

Diversity Professionals’ Virtual Meeting: February 2025

Join LCLD staff and your fellow Diversity Professionals for our first meeting of the year.

In addition to providing LCLD program updates, Robert Grey and Jennifer Denton will lead an interactive discussion on how LCLD can provide support in the coming months.

Stay connected with us!