It is important to note that recent MCCA reports suggest that despite the beleaguered economy, many corporate legal departments have not abandoned their diversity initiatives. Rather, they are “increasingly relying on more innovative, low-cost measures to promote their diversity practices,” and others are strengthening their development and retention programs, according to an MCCA report.
MCCA recently launched the “KAN-Do! Mentoring Program.” This online-based mentoring tool, which couples law students and lawyers with fellow lawyers who act as mentors, is used to enhance dialogue. Officials say mentoring opportunities play a critical role in job success and attrition.
Richardson also adds that diversity is increasingly becoming a primary component of a shifting social and professional climate. For example, many MCCA members and other legal professionals have been actively involved in supporting an outside effort referred to as “Call to Action,” which was founded in 2004 by Roderick A. Palmore, general counsel, executive vice president and chief corporate and risk management officer of General Mills, Inc. As part of this initiative, participants vow to use their professional positions to advocate for more diversity within their legal departments.
“General counsels who sign it also pledge that the diversity of a law firm will influence their business decisions,” says Richardson. “I think it indicates a level of seriousness that had not existed previously."
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