February 23, 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

FEBRUARY || BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Make Black History Month a Year-Long Activity

“Championing those who live at the intersections of overlapping systems of privilege and oppression, companies can ensure they are advocating for Black voices that societal inequalities impact disproportionately.”  Sabrina Browne for PR News

Jury Reached Verdict in Hate-Crimes Charges Against Ahmaud Arbery’s Killers in Georgia

The three men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery were found guilty of committing federal hate crimes and other offenses. “Ahmaud will continue to rest in peace, but he will now begin to rest in power,” said Wanda Cooper-Jones, Ahmaud's mother.  Reuters

Minnesota Jury to Hear Closing Arguments in George Floyd Arrest Trial

Prosecutors continue to build the case against the three former Minneapolis police officers involved in George Floyd’s murder.  Reuters

DE&I Development

What’s the Best Way to Measure the Effectiveness of Your DEI Program?

Start by focusing on authenticity, transparency, and tracking trends, say diversity experts.  Protocol: Braintrust

Employees from Marginalized Groups Fear They Are Excluded from Diversity and Inclusion Conversations. Here Are 3 Ways for Organizations to Improve.

Here’s how to spot performative DE&I efforts and improve them.  Insider

It’s Time to Synchronize Your DEI and Wellbeing Strategies

It’s no secret that race and ethnicity factor into healthcare access and experience. Reflect on your company’s culture and DE&I strategies to spot gaps in wellbeing and ways to realign.  Gallup

5 Ways to Foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Within Your Firm

These five simple steps—starting with a detailed DE&I plan—can take your firm’s culture to the next level.  JD Supra

LCLD Leads on DE&I

2022 Most Influential Black Lawyers

Congratulations to the 17 LCLD Members, 27 Fellows and Pathfinders, and 12 Diversity Professionals recognized among Savoy Magazine’s 2022 Most Influential Black Lawyers!  Savoy Magazine

How to Expand Leadership Diversity from Representation to Deep Transformation

Six DE&I leaders at Accenture share five steps to advance underrepresented leadership and diversify your top ranks.  Quartz at Work

Is Your Company Inclusive of Neurodivergent Employees?

Strategies to attract and enhance the experiences of neurodiverse employees, including Microsoft’s Neurodiversity Hiring Program.  Harvard Business Review

12 Ways Companies Are Boosting Their DEI

DE&I leaders at McDonald’s, Altria, Amazon, and other companies share which strategies have led to tangible positive results.  Chief Executive

Leading for Tomorrow

Here’s the Biggest Mistake That Many Leaders Still Make

Three ways to develop a growth mindset and build trust with the people you lead.  Inc. Magazine

Reimagining the Workplace

5 Challenges of Hybrid Work—and How to Overcome Them

The “5C challenges”—from communication to culture—and how you can make the most of their potential while minimizing their pitfalls.  Harvard Business Review

“You’re Able to Find Some Amazing Candidates”: Why GCs Say Talent War Is Winnable

“Companies that can’t find talent might be looking in the wrong places,” says Michael Wu, GC of Bath & Body Works.  Corporate Counsel

Jerry Weiss (Freddie Mac), James Kerr II (Southern Company), Michael Nestor (Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP), and Jim Lehman (Nelson Mullin Riley & Scarborough LLP) are the latest LCLD Members to step to the Front and publish their Leader Pledges.

With Black History Month still underway, sign up for LCLD's Members-only Virtual Leadership Summit on March 1 to learn more about articulating your commitments. Space is limited, so register here today. 

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

MARCH 1   |   11 am–2 pm ET   ||   Members Only
LCLD Virtual Leadership Summit
Click here to register. Space is limited, so don't wait!

MARCH 15   |    1–2 pm ET   ||   LCLD Community
Language of Leadership Series with Deneen Donnley (ConEdison)
Click here to view all scheduled Language of Leadership webinars.

MARCH 31    ||   Diversity Professionals + Members
2022  1L Scholars Program Organization Registration Closes
Register here before the deadline!