As discussed in last month’s column, companies have adapted to virtual interview processes. Based on my review of position changes on LinkedIn, however, there is a disturbing trend emerging. Specifically, general counsel are disproportionately hiring people they already know.

As someone who has sponsored and attended dozens of in-house counsel events, including many focused specifically on networking with and among minority corporate counsel, I am using this column to sound a bit of an alarm bell. Diversity in hiring is suffering from social distancing. Therefore, I encourage general counsel and human resources leaders to double down on their commitment to sourcing candidates thoroughly and creatively.