NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
September 15–October 15

On the Need for Equity in America

Law Firms Embrace Roadmap Against Diversity Program Attacks

DEI SUPPORT & STRATEGY   Upon the release of the New York State Bar Association’s report clarifying the legality of various DEI efforts, law firm leaders share how they’re approaching challenges. Alden Millard, Chair of Simpson Thacher’s Executive Committee, 2018 Fellow Robin Nunn of Linklaters, and other leaders weigh in.  Bloomberg Law

Law Firm Leaders, GCs, and Bar Leaders Outline DEI Recommendations in Wake of Affirmative Action Ruling

DEI SUPPORT & STRATEGY   “The fact that law firms and other groups are being targeted is not a surprise,” said Brad Karp, Chairman of Paul Weiss. “It will not deter anyone from doing what needs to be done to safeguard diversity in law firms, education, and society more broadly.”  Corporate Counsel

We Cannot Relent: The Need to Remain Resilient in Your Firm’s DEI Efforts

DEI SUPPORT   “DEI initiatives have always been about doing the right thing and, collectively as an industry, we cannot lose focus on that — no matter the threat,” writes Jessica Mazzeo of Griesing Mazzeo Law. “Like most awful things... this too shall pass.”  The Legal Intelligencer

More on Corporate & Law Firm DEI

The Growing Battle Over Corporate Diversity Practices, Explained  |  The Washington Post

Blum’s Attack on Diversity: Forcing BIPOC Attorneys to ‘Show Their Papers’  |  The Recorder

With Diversity Efforts Under Fire, New York Bar Gives Blueprint for the Legal Profession  |  Reuters

1A Podcast | The Diversity Problem with Corporate America  |  NPR

DEI Support & Strategy

DEI Programs Are Under Fire. Is Yours the Next Target?

DEI STRATEGY   2017 Fellow Amber Rogers of Hunton Andrews Kurth discusses how poor DEI planning, implementation, and training can create significant liability for employers.  Legal Dive

How the Work of Diversity Professionals Benefits All Employees

DEI SUPPORT & STRATEGY   DEI consultatant Amie Santos discusses examples of effective operational impact led by diversity professionals that, despite critics’ claims, benefit all members of the workplace.  The American Lawyer

DEI Investment: Bridge From Dreams to Reality in Law

DIVERSE REPRESENTATION   James Smith, a partner at Greenberg Traurig, shares his personal experiences with the trickle-down effects of DEI investment. “As a Black, first-generation law student, I was confident that my own background could serve as a wellspring of strength and innovation in my legal practice — rather than the oft-assumed hindrance.”  The Legal Intelligencer

Low-Quality Feedback Drives Underrepresented Workers to Look for New Jobs

FEEDBACK & EVALUATION   Unactionable suggestions and personality critiques are driving the attrition gap as women and people of color report inequities in feedback quality.  Bloomberg Equality

What We (Don’t) Talk about When We Talk about Diversity

TRANSPARENCY   Organizational psychology researchers offer practical considerations stemming from three interrelated studies that examined organizations’ messages around DEI and the day-to-day experiences of Black professionals.  SHRM

LCLD Leads on DEI

LegalSpeak podcast | It’s Time to Pour Concrete: Davis Wright Leader Says Law Firms Need to Double Down on DEI

DEI SUPPORT & STRATEGY   DWT’s Chief DEI Officer Yusuf Zakir shares what he thinks the political rhetoric and lawmaking might get wrong about DEI, and why he thinks DEI work at law firms will not only continue but improve.  New Jersey Law Journal

Reed Smith’s New DEI Chair Isn’t Backing Away From Diversity Efforts in Wake of Blum Lawsuits

DEI SUPPORT & STRATEGY   Alan York, the latest addition to Reed Smith’s leadership team since Casey Ryan became Global MP, intends to focus his tenure on supporting, expanding, and leveraging the firm’s existing DEI programs.  The American Lawyer

2023 Change the World List

Eight LCLD Member organizations made this annual list of the 50 most socially impactful companies, with Walmart, Gilead, and Abbott in the top 10.  Fortune

Leading for Tomorrow

How to Develop Effective Leadership Succession Planning

SUCCESSION PLANNING   The report discusses the key factors affecting leadership retention, the positive effects of investment in leader development, and how these practices inform comprehensive succession plans.  Hunt Scanlon

Mentor vs. Sponsor: How to Be a Stellar Sponsor

SPONSORSHIP   Taking direct action to advocate for a sponsee’s development and advancement — from leveraging your relationships and influence to creating high-visibility opportunities — is a consistently effective way to close the talent development gap women and people of color experience.  Newsweek

for LCLD Members & Diversity Professionals

OCTOBER 12–13  |  LCLD Members, DPs & Guests  |  Washington, DC

Innovation to Impact: 14th Annual LCLD Membership Meeting

Registration is now open for the 14th Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, DC.

New this year, an additional day of programming for Pledge-Holding LCLD Members will feature insights from Jerry Kang, Distinguished Professor of Law and former Vice Chancellor for DEI at UCLA. Members, DPs, and guests are invited to a keynote with Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, and a welcome reception at the National Portrait Gallery.

NOVEMBER 1 @ 1:00 PM ET  |  LCLD Community  |  virtual

Language of Leadership: Gayle Littleton, Exelon

Join LCLD for a candid conversation with Gayle Littleton, Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at Exelon.

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

NOVEMBER 7 @ 2:00 PM ET  |  LCLD Diversity Pros  |  virtual

Informational Webinar: 2024 Fellows & Pathfinder Programs

Join LCLD staff to learn more about the 2024 Fellows and Pathfinder Programs.

We’ll cover program components and selection for 2024 and answer any questions you may have. The webinar will be recorded for those who cannot attend.

Stay connected with us!