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. Why Black Americans Remain Scarce in Executive Suites 

Just four Fortune 500 companies have black CEOs, a statistic that has gone down in the last decade. Why? Current diversity efforts are failing black employees at every level, according to a recent report from the Center for Talent Innovation. The New York Times
Suggested reading from Rick Palmore, LCLD Founder.

2. Advancing Black Leaders, Part 5: Success Comes from Affirming Your Potential 

How do black professionals continue to succeed in the face of systemic discrimination? The final piece in the “Advancing Black Leaders” series has suggestions for developing and affirming your leadership vision.  Harvard Business Review

3. The Value of Belonging at Work 

• Those organizations consistently named “best places to work” have a few things in common—including that they all create environments where people can bring their whole selves to work, according to a three-year study.  Harvard Business Review 
• An unrelated study of almost 4,000 people found that when people feel like they belong, their companies see a 56% increase in job performance, a 50% drop in turnover risk, and a 75% reduction in sick days.  Harvard Business Review

4. 9 Diversity and Inclusion Practices to Leave in 2019 

The end of the year is a good time to reevaluate your diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, writes DEI expert Janice Glassam. In 2020, focus on assessing your DEI efforts, recognizing the difference between diversity and inclusion, and tracking (and reporting) retention of diverse populations.  Forbes

5. Examining the Disconnect Between In-House Leaders and Legal Teams 

In-house leaders play a critical role in developing talent; but a recent study from Deloitte found a disconnect between how CLOs/GCs perceive their rising stars’ leadership abilities and areas for growth, and how those rising stars perceive themselves.  Corporate Counsel 
Read the full report here.

6. Childcare Commitments Are Driving Women Out of Big Law 

• About 58% of women who left large law firms say caretaking responsibilities were an important factor in their decision to leave; the other major factors—stress levels, emphasis on marketing and origination, and the number of billable hours—also relate to demands on women’s time.  The American Lawyer  
• What can law firms do to help? The study suggests deemphasizing the billable hour, offering flexible schedules, and normalizing parental leave by encouraging men to take it.  The American Lawyer

7. Goldman Sachs Removed One Word from Recruiting Materials and Saw Female Hires Soar  

A few years ago, the merchant banking division at Goldman Sachs stopped asking whether candidates were “aggressive” enough to do the job; the percentage of female employees jumped from 25 to 50%.  Fortune