Diversity as Inclusion: Shedding the 'First' Paradigm
The Legal Intelligencer
Monday, December 10, 2012
Numerous stellar individuals have soared to previously unforeseen heights in their profession. Often, these individuals deservedly receive praise for their accomplishments as, among others, the "first woman," "first African-American," or "first Asian-American" in their field to reach certain professional achievements.
How Do We Answer When Asked, 'Are You Done Yet?'
The Legal Intelligencer
Monday, November 12, 2012
When I was asked to write an article about diversity, long before I began the necessary thinking, organizing and researching to compile thoughts and words and complete the article, I knew the title would be, "Are You Done Yet?"
How a Global Perspective Can Make You a Better Lawyer
The Legal Intelligencer
Monday, October 8, 2012
I received my offer from Reed Smith in August 2010, right before my third year of law school. I had spent two summers as a summer associate and I was excited to jump back into my work after the bar exam.
How to Develop a Mentoring Relationship as a Diverse Associate
The Legal Intelligencer
Monday, September 10, 2012
A "mentor" is defined as a "trusted counselor or guide." Young attorneys, from the first day of law school forward, are urged to find a mentor to help steer their career paths. For the diverse/minority associate, finding a mentor seems fraught with complications. How does a diverse associate find common ground with a partner who is generally not of the same age, race or background? This is especially difficult because young associates are naturally inclined to seek out mentors from similar backgrounds.
Friends in High Places: The Rainmaker Mentor Program
The Legal Intelligencer
Monday, August 13, 2012
In 2011, the Philadelphia Diversity Law Group introduced an initiative focused on the retention and advancement of diverse associates. The group recognized that the ability to generate a book of business and be indispensable to client relationships was critical for diverse lawyers to advance in large law firms. Key to establishing those relationships and ultimately a book of business is hands-on instruction in what it takes to be a rainmaker. The Rainmaker Mentor Program was designed to address the lack of access diverse attorneys often have to the networks, contacts and business relationships all attorneys need to ascend to partnership.
What the Marine Corps Can Teach the Legal Profession About Diversity
The Legal Intelligencer
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Having just celebrated Memorial Day, I am reminded that the U.S. Marine Corps, some time ago, had a recruiting campaign that stated: "We do not join you, you join us — The Few. The Proud. The Marines."
