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. In-House Leaders Say Their Companies Can Be Change Agents for Diversity 

Corporate Counsel, 3/20/18

“We need general broader power structures to change. Those of us who have that voice, that ability, that power, need to push for that change,” says LCLD Member Marie Oh Huber, General Counsel at eBay. 

2. Finest General Counsel Selected by the Burton Awards Program

The Burton Awards, 3/13/18

LCLD Members Bob Bostrom (Abercrombie & Fitch), David Zapolsky (Amazon), Kim Rivera (HP Inc.), and Tim Murphy (Mastercard) have been named Legends in the Law by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. 

3. GC Perspective After 30 Years at the Same Company

Bloomberg Law, 3/9/18

“I’m proud to lead one of the most diverse teams in our organization,” says LCLD Member Joanne Raphael, General Counsel of PPL. She cites participation in LCLD’s Fellows and Mentoring programs as an important part of the company’s diversity efforts. 

4. Veteran Legal Recruiter Discusses Hiring Landscape for Female Lawyers

The Recorder, 3/18/18

“I am seeing more high-level men who are high-status partners within the firm getting more involved in diversity. I think that is driven by clients who are demanding more diversity,” writes legal recruiter Natasha Innocenti. 

5. Hundreds of Start-Ups Tell Investors: Diversify, or Keep Your Money

The New York Times, 3/20/18

More than 400 tech entrepreneurs and CEOs say they will expect diversity from their investors; a 2016 survey found minimal diversity among investment partners in what is now an $84 billion industry. 

6. Extensive Data Shows Punishing Reach of Racism for Black Boys

The New York Times, 3/19/18

In 99 percent of America, black boys, even those who grow up in rich families, fare worse than white boys later in life; the disparities can’t be explained by differences in cognitive ability or household traits. 

7. Mentoring Women is Not About Trying to “Rescue” Them

Harvard Business Review, 3/14/18

Cross-gender mentorships with the greatest impact involve mutual listening and affirmation, shared power, and humility on the part of mentors.