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. Marilyn McClure-Demers Has Enjoyed a Career of Inclusivity 

Modern Counsel, July 2018

“Everyone is different and we know it, but the extent to which we differ—and the extent to which leaders and others are committed to learning the differences—varies greatly,” says  Marilyn McClure-Demers, 2014 Fellow and Associate General Counsel at Nationwide, who was profiled for her commitment to inclusion. 

2. An Electric Experience: LCLD Fellows Plug In to Southern California Edison

LCLD Communications, 7/17/18

“I was blown away by all that SCE is doing to improve diversity, help their community, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said 2018 Fellow Mindy Laponis of a recent Learning Experience hosted by LCLD Member Russell Swartz at SCE. 

3. The American Lawyer’s 2018 A-List 

The American Lawyer, 7/24/18

The A-List ranks firms on financial and cultural metrics, including associate satisfaction, racial diversity, and, new this year, a relative ranking of the percentage of female equity partners. LCLD Members make up 18 of the 20 firms recognized (see here).  

4. Starting the Conversation: Workplace Discussions that Shape Companies, Careers, and Cultures

LinkedIn, 7/23/18

“We as employers have to reform how we think about our employees and our workforce if we’re going to attract and keep the best talent… This idea of sharing through conversation has to be treated like a business investment, and if you don’t manage it, a business risk,” says Tina Tchen, a founder of the Time’s Up legal defense fund, on building inclusive cultures. 

5. Can a Hackathon Solve the Diversity Challenge in the Legal Profession?

2 Civility, 7/19/18

To make the most of a diversity hackathon, participants must empathize with the people they’re trying to help, focus on solutions rather than problems, and understand where the power to drive change lies, writes Michelle Silverthorn, Diversity & Education Director at the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism. 

6. The Most Creative Teams Have a Specific Type of Cultural Diversity 

Harvard Business Review, 7/24/18

“Cultural brokers” can help facilitate collaboration on teams that include people with both multicultural and monocultural experiences.