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. A Formula for Fortune 500 Companies Struggling to Promote Women and Minorities 

Crain's Chicago Business, 12/17/18

“Corporate law departments should seek out and hire women and minorities as their billing or relationship partners at major law firms and watch them grow into stronger, future business talent. Simultaneously, you help law firms solve the problem that has eluded them for decades—how to promote and retain female and minority law partners,” writes Adrienne Pitts, General Counsel of Loop Capital Markets.  

2. Harassment From Clients Can Stunt Women’s Careers, But Few Firms Are Trying to Stop It 

Corporate Counsel, 12/17/18

In a business so dependent on relationship building, harassment from clients can seriously hurt women’s careers; LCLD Member organizations Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, Cooley, and Ogletree Deakins were among the few firms that reported having policies to address inappropriate client behavior. 

3. Microsoft Calls for Laws to Prevent Bias in Facial Recognition AI 

Bloomberg, 12/6/18

“Unless we act, we risk waking up five years from now to find that facial recognition services have spread in ways that exacerbate societal issues,” says LCLD Immediate Past Chair Brad Smith on Microsoft’s recent call for regulation of artificial intelligence. 

4. 5 Steps Employers Can Take to Address Gender Wage Disparity 

Corporate Counsel, 12/11/18 

A few ways organizations can address pay inequity: conduct pay audits, use objective criteria at job interviews, and ensure women have equal opportunities for advancement. 

5. “Are You Actually an M.D.?”: Black Doctor is Questioned as She Intervenes on a Flight 

The New York Times, 11/2/18

Dr. Fatima Stanford was questioned repeatedly about her medical license while trying to assist a passenger on a flight. “When you Google a doctor, most of the pictures that come up are of a white man,” she said. “But there are other people who look like me. And I should not be called into question about something I have worked for my entire life.”

6. You Can Be a Great Leader and Also Have a Life

Harvard Business Review, 12/18/18

Building an organizational culture that prioritizes work-life balance requires leaders to “to stand up to status quo pressures and make work-life balance a priority,” says Jessica DeGroot, Founder of ThirdPath Institute.