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. Paul Weiss Chairman Pipes Up About the #MeToo Movement

The American Lawyer, 4/20/18

“#MeToo and #TimesUp are shining a spotlight on a broad array of gender issues, ranging from sexism and subtle discrimination on the one hand to much more dramatic assaults on the other hand… I think the conversations that the movement has sparked are welcomed by and large by those in the legal profession,” says Brad Karp, LCLD Member and Chairman of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.  

2. America is More Diverse than Ever—But Still Segregated 

The Washington Post, 5/2/18

The United States is on track to be a majority-minority nation by 2044, but neighborhoods remain across the country remain segregated.  “We don’t have integrated social networks. We don’t have integrated experiences through the city. It’s baked-in segregation,” says Professor Maria Krysan.
Click here and scroll down to see the demographic breakdown of your city. 

3. Using AI to Empower People with Disabilities

Microsoft on the Issues, 5/7/18

“Around the world, only one in 10 people with disabilities has access to assistive technologies and products. By making AI solutions more widely available, we believe technology can have a broad impact on this important community,” writes Brad Smith, LCLD Immediate Past Chair and President of Microsoft. 

4. Young Lawyers Call for Revamping of Law Firm Offices to Meet New Industry Needs 

The American Lawyer, 5/3/18

“The three most highly correlated factors that dictate whether associates are happy include interesting work (meaning); partner behavior (mentoring, coaching, getting feedback, developing mastery); and flexibility (autonomy),” according to a recent article from former LCLD meeting speaker Scott Westfahl.  

5. From Hourly to Anywhere 

Chief Learning Officer, 4/30/18

In its fifth year, the Career Choice program from LCLD Member organization Amazon prepays 95 percent of the cost of tuition for any employee “to pursue courses in any in-demand field—even if that training has zero relevance to the company.”