The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) announced the election of Christa A. D’Alimonte of ViacomCBS and Joel Unruch of Accenture to its Board of Directors, bringing fresh perspectives to one of the nation’s pioneer organizations promoting diversity in the legal profession. 

Christa A. D’Alimonte (right) serves as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of ViacomCBS, where her role includes overseeing the company’s global legal affairs as its chief legal officer. D’Alimonte is a member of ViacomCBS’ Global Inclusion Advisory Committee.

Under her leadership, ViacomCBS has been an active Member of LCLD since 2012, exploring innovative DE&I solutions while enabling dozens of diverse attorneys to participate in the LCLD Fellows, Pathfinder, and Mentoring programs. She has also hosted in-person and virtual learning events at ViacomCBS for LCLD. 

“It is an honor to serve the mission of LCLD in this role as we work to bring greater inclusion and equality to the legal field,” said D’Alimonte. “In partnership with our members, I am excited to continue championing leaders whose diversity and talent will shape the future of our profession.”

Joel Unruch (left), Accenture’s general counsel and corporate secretary, is responsible for the company’s legal affairs worldwide, overseeing a global team of legal, contract management, and government relations professionals. He is also a member of Accenture’s Global Management Committee.

Since joining LCLD in 2016, Accenture has participated in every LCLD program (Fellows, Pathfinder, 1L Scholars, and Mentoring). Unruch, who rose to general counsel in 2019, has renewed the company’s strong commitment to LCLD and played an active role at LCLD’s Annual Meetings in 2019 and 2020.

“I’m honored to join this group of experienced, passionate leaders who are lending their voices and platforms and committing to tangible actions and results,” said Unruch. “I believe that collectively we can make meaningful change in our industry.”

“I’m thrilled that Christa and Joel have agreed to commit their time and energy to supporting LCLD’s mission as newly elected members of our board of directors,” said Ellen Dwyer of Crowell & Moring, chair of the LCLD board.  “Their passion for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion will inspire others and propel our efforts to bring about systemic change across the profession.”

“These individuals represent the next generation of legal leaders,” added Robert J. Grey, Jr., president of LCLD. “Their can-do attitude, drive for fairness, and refusal to accept the status quo will be incredibly valuable to our organization moving forward.” 

Founded in 2009, LCLD is a national organization whose members include more than 350 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners. Working collaboratively, these leaders are personally committed to helping a new and more diverse generation of attorneys ascend to positions of leadership, with the ultimate goal of building a more open and diverse legal profession.

For more information about LCLD or its programs, contact Kathy O’Brien at 212-843-8015 or kobrien@rubenstein.com.