Diverse attorneys made up 40 percent of Littler Mendelson's 2016 Shareholder class – and all of them participated in the Career Advocacy Program.
Launched in 2013 to address the attrition of women and minority associates, the Career Advocacy Program identifies diverse, high-achieving associates (Proteges) and pairs them with senior partners at the firm (Advocates) who help them develop books of business, build relationships, and advocate for them among firm leadership.
The active involvement and investment of some of the firm’s most influential people in the lives and careers of diverse associates makes a huge difference, according to Littler Shareholder Natalie Pierce, who developed CAP.
But firm leaders aren’t the only ones investing in the Proteges’ careers. LCLD Member N. Cornell Boggs III, former Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Dow Corning Corporation, hosted a lunch for several Proteges, where he met 2016 LCLD Fellow Edward Chyun. After learning that Chyun was new to the Cleveland area, Boggs promised to introduce him to some colleagues in the area – and he did.
“Being an immigrant from Korea, not having my dad be a lawyer or something – building that network was a tremendous help,” Chyun said. "It helps you understand there's a way to succeed even if you're not in the traditional mold." Chyun became Shareholder in 2016 after three years in the program.
For more information, contact Natalie Pierce at npierce@littler.com.
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