NetApp’s in-house legal department collaborated with Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, part of the historically Black Southern University System, and a group of companies from across the U.S. to create the Community of Legal Interns. CLI, which already has 1,100 members, roughly 35% of whom are law students, seeks to connect students and employers committed to increasing diversity, inclusion and innovation in the legal industry. The Recorder is recognizing NetApp for its Innovations in Diversity and Inclusion as part of the California Leaders in Tech Law and Innovation Awards on Nov. 6. The Recorder recently caught up with Connie Brenton, the company’s senior director of legal operations, who was central to the partnership with SULC.

The Recorder: Quickly walk us through the story of how the Community of Legal Interns came about.