Compiled for LCLD Members and the 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, or if you would like to subscribe, please email Communications Manager Caitlin Puffenberger at cpuffenberger@lcldnet.com. 

1. LCLD Reaches 10,000 Diverse Attorneys in First 10 Years

LCLD celebrated 10 years and 10,000 careers at last week’s Annual Membership Meeting. “We are advancing careers, one by one,” said LCLD President Robert Grey. “And we’re able to do that only because of the personal and individual commitment of each one of the general counsel and managing partners who make up LCLD.”  PR Web

2. McKeon Hits Major Milestone as Second-Term Morgan Lewis Chair 

LCLD Member Jami McKeon kicked off her second term at the helm of Morgan Lewis & Bockius by announcing that women make up 60 percent of the firm’s new partner class. She also led the firm to focus on diversity among lateral hires—this year, 45 percent were women.  Bloomberg

3. Law Firms Pledge $5M to Fix Legal Industry’s Diversity Problem 

• Five law firms have partnered with 26 general counsel to create the Move the Needle Fund, with the goal of combating the persistent lack of diversity in the law.  Bloomberg
• Each firm is working toward a specific goal for 2025; they include serving top strategic clients with teams that are 55 percent diverse, and increasing diversity among partner ranks and firm leadership.  Bloomberg 
• Thirteen LCLD Member organizations are among the ranks of participating organizations.  LCLD

4. Strong Alignment Between D&I Function and C-Suite Strategy is Key Driver of Business Success 

A survey of 500 senior D&I professionals at high revenue companies found that when D&I functions are closely aligned with corporate business strategies, companies see a positive impact on reputation, employee retention, and financial success.  Yahoo Finance 

5. Gender Equality is Within Our Reach 

“I believe our goal should be to expand women’s power and influence in society—the ability to make decisions, control resources, and shape perspectives,” writes Melinda Gates.  Harvard Business Review

6. Hiring for Culture Fit Doesn’t Have to Undermine Diversity 

Culture fit should focus on how well a candidate’s values align with the organization’s, rather than on how their personal characteristics align with the current workforce.  Harvard Business Review