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, articles you'd like to share, of if you would like to subscribe, please email Communications Specialist Caitlin Puffenberger at cpuffenberger@lcldnet.com. 

1. Client Call for Greater Diversity at Fever Pitch

Law.com, 7/17/17

“What was once a gentle whisper is quickly becoming a roar in favor of greater law firm diversity,” write two legal diversity experts. “The clients have spoken. Let’s hope law firm leaders and partners are listening.”

Suggested reading for Rick Palmore, LCLD Founder and Chair Emeritus

2. Law Schools are Filled with Asian Americans. So Why Aren’t There More Asian Judges?

The Washington Post, 7/18/17

Despite making up 10 percent of graduates from top law schools, implicit bias has kept Asian Americans out of legal leadership roles and elected positions – for example, just four of the 2,437 elected prosecutors in the U.S. are Asian American. 

Suggested reading for Robert Grey, LCLD President

3. Major Corporations Teamed up to Spend $226M in 2016 on Women- and Minority-Owned Firm

Corporate Counsel, 7/18/17

The initiative was led by Rick Meade, LCLD’s Diversity Contact at Prudential Financial; 21 of the 30 participating corporations are LCLD Member organizations. 

4. Corporate Responsibility Can Address Systemic Barriers to Diversity

Adobe, 7/18/17

“To create true social impact, the next generation of leaders must take a more comprehensive approach to corporate responsibility, which includes a commitment to breaking down the systemic barriers to diversity in the enterprise,” writes LCLD Member organization Adobe, Inc.’s Director of Sustainability and Social Impact. 

5. Stop Using the Excuse “Organizational Change is Hard”

Harvard Business Review, 7/19/17

“Adaptation is the rule of human existence, not the exception,” writes organizational psychologist Nick Tasler. “The fact that it requires effort doesn’t negate the fact that most people who commit to a change initiative will eventually succeed.”