Compiled for the LCLD Board of Directors every Wednesday, this digest is designed to brief you on the latest headlines about LCLD Members and organizations, as well as thought-provoking articles on diversity in the legal profession, talent development, mentoring, and leadership. Past issues of the Digest are also archived on the LCLD web site.

If you have questions about the Digest, or articles you'd like to share, please email Caitlin Puffenberger at cpuffenberger@lcldnet.com. 

This week, in news related to diversity and inclusion...

1. Harvard Study: Women Lawyers Work More Than Men

Bloomberg BNA, 5/12/15

Women lawyers work more hours on average than men, according to a recent study from Harvard Law School’s Center on the Legal Profession. Notable findings include:

• Women worked an average of 52 hours per week (at firms), compared to 47.8 hours for men.
• Women were satisfied with the substance of their work, yet dissatisfied with the rewards (compensation and performance evaluation).
• Women were also dissatisfied with their control over work-life integration, the amount of work, and their work environment. 

2. Like Father Like Son, Bar-Exam Ritual is a Necessity of the Profession

The National Law Journal, 5/11/15

LCLD Board Member Peter Kalis and his son wrote an op-ed on their experiences taking the bar exam three decades apart. Though the exam is frequently under fire, both Kalises agree that much of the problem is in viewing it as an “event” rather than part of the much longer process of becoming a lawyer. They cite Microsoft Corp.’s partnership with the University of Washington Law School to provide diverse law students with assistance preparing for the bar exam as an example of a more process-oriented approach. 

3. Jerry Clements First Woman to Be Named Baylor Lawyer of the Year

Inside Counsel, 5/11/15

LCLD Member Jerry Clements was named 2015 Baylor Lawyer of the Year by the Baylor Law Alumni Association, the first woman to receive the honor in the program’s 53-year history. She is recognized for an outstanding career and as a distinguished leader in community service. 

4. Orrick Introduces New Parental Leave Policy for Working Moms

The American Lawyer, 5/10/15

LCLD Member firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is rolling out one of the most generous parental leave programs at any major U.S. firm. “We’re in a fight to attract, retain, and inspire the very best legal talent,” said LCLD Member Mitchell Zuklie. Benefits include 22 weeks paid leave, nine months unpaid leave, better work-flex scheduling, and a firm leave liaison.

5. Diversity at Google Off to a Good Start

Talent Management, 5/6/15

Like most other companies in Silicon Valley, Google struggles with diversity, but this week the company pledged to spend $150 million on diversity initiatives in 2015. The four-pronged approach includes an expanded pool of recruitment, a diversity and inclusion workshop, computer science programs targeting young girls, and an initiative to help small business owners get online. 

6. The National Law Journal’s Outstanding Women Lawyers

The National Law Journal, 5/4/15

LCLD Members Jami McKeon, Chairwoman of Lewis & Bockius, and Linda Myers, Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, and 2015 Fellow Danielle Gray were recognized as outstanding female lawyers by the National Law Journal.