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. Supreme Court Votes for Same-Sex Marriage, LCLD Members Support
LCLD Communications, 6/30/15
The Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states last week, a major victory for the LGBT community and its supporters. Many LCLD Member organizations came out in support of LGBT rights. While the ruling is an important one, it’s hardly the final step toward LGBT equality.
2. Meet the 50 Most Powerful Women in New York
Crain’s New York Business, 6/29/15
Linda Addison, LCLD Member and U.S. Managing Partner of Norton Rose Fulbright, was ranked among the 50 most powerful women in New York. As the magazine noted, “We need to publish a list of the city’s most powerful women because we need to remind society of what is possible to achieve.” Addison is cited for her leadership of a global law firm, roster of powerful clients, and promotion of women in leadership roles.
3. One Thousand Businesses from Around the World Sign On to the Women’s Empowerment Principles
UN Women, 6/25/15
The United Nations established the Women's Empowerment Principles for businesses that want to advance equality in the workplace. The CEOs of LCLD Member corporations General Mills, Merck, Microsoft Corporation, and PepsiCo recently signed on to support the WEPs, which include transparency, education and training, nondiscrimination policies, and support from leadership.
4. Reward Your Best Teams, Not Just Star Players
Harvard Business Review, 6/30/15
Many organizations praise the value of teamwork, yet consistently reward individuals rather than teams. If an organization wants to cash in on the values of collaboration, its management needs to support teams with the same incentives than it supports individuals. For example, “insist on a 50/50 split in compensation, recognition, rewards, and bonuses between individuals and teams.”
5. Five Predominantly Black Southern Churches Burn Within a Week
The Washington Post, 6/29/15
In the week after nine people were shot dead at Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina, five predominantly black churches across the South burned down. Three of the fires are being investigated as arson. While the fires as not being considered hate crimes at this time, they continue a history of black church-burning that dates back to the Civil War era.
