Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Walmart Inc.
Karen Roberts became General Counsel of Wal-Mart in 2013 after serving as President of Walmart Realty. She has used her current role to guide the legal team’s diversity efforts in many ways.
“Over the past five fiscal years, we have spent nearly $190 million with minority-owned law firms or diverse counsel,” Karen told LCLD Fellows in 2016. She also led the Walmart legal department to donate $150,000 over three years to support the University of Arkansas School of Law’s diversity program.
As part of LCLD's Leaders at the Front initiative, Karen created a Leader's Pledge detailing her personal and organizational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Read Karen's pledge here.
Walmart was named an LCLD Top Performer in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022.
Read about Walmart's 2016 LCLD Learning Experience here and its 2013 LCLD Learning Experience here.
Joined LCLD 2009
Highlights of LCLD Participation
LCLD Board of Directors
Member, 2012-2018
Fellows Program
Hosted Learning Experience (2016, 2013)
Fellows nominated:
2022: Audra Thompson; 2021: Angelina Muldoon, Carl Frazier-Sparks; 2019: Katisha Fortune, Kimberly Royal; 2018: Sandra Buja, Bahi Okupa-Hines; 2017: Yoon Hee Chang, William Silcott; 2016: Myra L. McKenzie-Harris, David Winfrey; 2015: Jennifer Bechet, Veronica Gromada; 2014: Derek P. Scott, Victoria E. Smith; 2013: Michael H. Spencer, Amber Lee Williams; 2012: Roger M. Goode, Gregory L. Tesoro; 2011: Stephanie Chin, John T. Okwubanego
Pathfinder Program
Hosted Pathfinder First Meeting (2018)
Pathfinders selected:
2022: Lauren Brewer, Kathryn Smith; 2021: Patrick Brutus, See Brown; 2020: Kaylan Thacker, Selene Presseller; 2019: Nicole Chapman; 2018: Hannah Kang, Holly Lar; 2017: Charys Williams, Sam Roberts; 2016: Trace Northcross, Sue Xia
1L LCLD Scholars Program
Scholars hosted:
2015: Jennifer Cobb, Blessing Havana, Tera Lynn Rule; 2013: Jessica Littles; 2012: Meixuan Lu, Rayna K. Wright
Success in Law School Mentoring Program
Mentors Provided: 2021, 2020, 2019
Attendance
Annual Meeting (2017, 2016, 2015, 2014)
Leadership Summit (2018)
Member: Karen Roberts
Diversity Professionals: Kerry Koutouc, Laci Ledbetter, Heather Kees
Communications: Kerry Koutouc
