August 21, 2024

On the Need for Equity in America

Generations Aren’t Connecting, and It May Be Hurting Law Firms

INCLUSIVE CULTURE   54 percent of survey respondents feel that differing generational communications styles — such as calling versus instant messaging — hinder their law firm’s effectiveness. Meanwhile, 66 percent point to generational behaviors and attitudes — such as preferences for in-office versus remote work— as another hurdle.  ALM | Law.com

How Biases About Motherhood Impact All Women at Work

INCLUSIVE CULTURE   Insights from nearly 1,000 women leaders show how significant discrimination and four key biases affect women, regardless of their parental status or plans. Here’s how organizations can step up to ensure equal work opportunities for women and tackle bias.  Harvard Business Review

DEI Support & Strategy

Origination Credit, Relationship Partner Succession May Be Mansfield Rule’s Next Frontiers

DEI SUPPORT   Over 365 law firms have committed to the 2024-25 Mansfield Certification process, which requires leadership candidate pools to include at least 30 percent underrepresented attorneys. And 110 firms will pilot potential additions to the Certification — including origination credit and relationship partner succession planning.  The Legal Intelligencer

Podcast | Ground Your DEI Efforts in Data

DEI STRATEGY   DEI Strategist Lily Zheng explains why data-driven DEI efforts are everything, sharing real examples from various companies to illustrate their impact.  Harvard Business Review

Analysis: Law Firms Chosen for DEI Framework Rise Above the Rest

DEI STRATEGY   Take a closer look at the DEI policies of the 57 firms featured in Bloomberg Law’s DEI Framework (45 of which are LCLD Member organizations). Recognized firms were more likely to have policies that support DEI, such as having formal sponsorship programs that bolster inclusion.  Bloomberg Law

Research: How IT Can Solve Common Problems in DEI Initiatives

DEI STRATEGY   A common problem that plagues DEI initiatives is their lack of integration into the organization’s daily operations. Here are three ways leaders can leverage data to create more effective and embedded DEI strategies.  Harvard Business Review

LCLD Leads on DEI

More Law Firms Than Ever Before Commit to Mansfield Certification Process

DEI SUPPORT   “Adopting Mansfield reflects Sidley’s confidence in our Built to Win programs developed to ensure our attorneys have the opportunity for success and advancement that our clients expect from us,” said Yvette Ostolaza, Management Committee Chair at Sidley Austin.  Diversity Lab

Missouri Lawyers Media Diversity and Inclusion 2024 Honorees

PERSONAL ADVOCACY   2023 Pathfinder Jennifer Maloney, Member at Baker Sterchi; 2021 Fellow Apollo Carey, Real Estate Practice Group Leader at Lewis Rice; and 2021 Pathfinder Katie Doherty, Associate at Armstrong Teasdale, were honored at the 2024 Missouri Lawyers Media Diversity & Inclusion Awards for their efforts to advance DEI.  Missouri Lawyers Media

Leading for Tomorrow

How Mentorships Can Be a Path to Stronger Firm-Client Relationships

MENTORING   Quarles & Brady’s president Brad Vynalek and senior strategic advisor Cornell Boggs speak to the importance of leadership investment in mentorship and how joint mentorship programs offer an innovative way to develop talent.  Legal Dive

Mental Wellness a Struggle for Many In-House Lawyers

DEI STRATEGY   This wellbeing toolkit for attorneys provides five checklists to support their well-being and leadership, plus insights from in-house legal professionals.  Legal Dive

for LCLD Members & Diversity Professionals

SEPTEMBER 20  |  LCLD Members  |  Salamander Hotel, Washington, DC

15th Annual LCLD Membership Meeting

LCLD Managing Partners and General Counsel and their guests are invited to the 15th Annual LCLD Membership Meeting on September 20, 2024.

There will also be a Welcome Reception at the National Museum of American History at 6:30 pm ET on Thursday, September 19. Our featured speaker Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, will discuss belonging and his research on the importance of leaders being intentional about building trust. The full meeting agenda is now available on our website.

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