LMA New York’s new Community Conversations initiative launched its Let’s Talk series with a personal look at Diversity, Equity & Inclusion on February 26.
LMA’s 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Committee co-chairs, Gia Altreche and Jessica Aries, led an open dialogue on one of the most pressing issues within the legal marketing profession and our community.
Participants were promised anonymity to ensure the discussion would be as honest as possible. Key takeaways that can be shared from the conversation include:
- One size does not fit all when it comes to DE&I policies. Firm culture and the culture where you live are important factors to consider.
- Clients' DE&I goals and requirements are driving some law firms to adopt their own.
- Microaggressions and tokenism can be challenging issues to deal with. Why? Because of comfort, habit and resistance to change.
- Self-education on DE&I comes before advising others. There are some steps anyone can take to become better informed: seek out educational movies on Netflix, read books, and actively listen to and support people you know in the Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
- LMA also offers a variety of resources:
- Join the conversation—attend an upcoming LMA DE&I SIG meeting.
- Visit the LMA DE&I SIG board or Facebook page.
- Keep an eye out in early 2Q21 for the LMA DE&I Book Club.
- Volunteer to be a meeting facilitator; teaching is a great way to learn.
LMA New York’s Community Conversations are intended to connect fellow members with common interests and provide opportunities for professional growth and networking. This initiative grew out of conversations during our member outreach. Attendance for each virtual program is limited to a maximum of 12 LMA members to create a personal forum for meaningful conversation. The Community Conversations are being offered free of charge.
We offer two types of Community Conversations:
- Let’s Talk - focusing on specialties within legal marketing through an intimate, informal dialogue about our profession and career opportunities. Each program will be facilitated by a member with deep experience in the specific area.
- Ask a Leader - designed specifically for the LMANext SIG. Ask a Leader will be facilitated by a CMO/senior-most Marketing/BD/Communications professional in the legal industry. LMANext attendees can ask the leaders questions about their professional path, advice, and some intel on what roles and skills they need when hiring staff.