Minority Corporate Counsel Association - Articles

First Woman Chief Justice Elected to Virginia Supreme Court

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Justice Cynthia Kinser will succeed Chief Justice Leroy Hassell, Sr. on February 1, 2011. Hassell, the first black chief justice, served two terms and was no longer eligible to serve in the role.

In Same-Sex Ruling, an Eye on the Supreme Court

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A federal judge’s forceful opinion Wednesday in favor of same-sex marriage is only the beginning of a process that is likely to go all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

Judge Blocks Parts of Arizona Immigration Law

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A federal judge dealt a serious rebuke to Arizona's immigration law on Wednesday when she put most of the crackdown on hold just hours before it was to take effect.

Argentina Legalizes Gay Marriage in Historic Vote

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Argentina became the first Latin American nation to legalize gay marriage, granting same-sex couples all the legal rights, responsibilities, and protections that marriage brings to hetersexuals.

New Millennium, Same Glass Ceiling

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A report released by the Project for Attorney Retention and MCCA concludes that existing compensation systems for lawyers open the door to gender bias.

Obama Administration Will Sue Arizona Over Controversial Immigration Law

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

After months of preparation, the Department of Justice will file suit against Arizona.

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of LGBT Law Students

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, affirmed the University of California-Hastings' decision to deny funding to student groups that discriminate against its LGBT students.

New York State Passes Dignity for All Students Act

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The New York State Senate passed the Dignity for All Students Act by a whopping 58-3 vote earlier this week.

Winners Of The “2010 Nation's Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40” Announced

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The National Bar Association, the oldest and largest organization of predominately African American lawyers and judges, along with IMPACT to honor 40 Lawyers Under 40.

VIDEO: Diversity Dialogue (Washington, D.C.)

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Watch the panel discussion with this year's Mid-Atlantic Region award winners: Capital One, Glaxo SmithKline, Pepco Holdings, Inc., and Crowell & Moring LLP.

U.S. Department of State Introduces New Policy Guidelines for Transgender Americans

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

When a passport applicant presents a doctor's certification that he or she has undergone treatment for gender transition, their passport will be updated to accurately reflect their sex.

Segregated Clubs in Kentucky Raise Issues for Private Business, Civil Rights Law

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A 2004 state Supreme Court ruling pushed Kentucky's remaining segregated clubs to stop the discrimination or risk losing tax deductions. Still, at least one club held out until late last year.

How Could One of America's Most Sexist Companies End Up on Working Mother's Best 100 List?

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Sharon Lerner of Slate examines how a company guilty of systemic gender discrimination has been on Working Mother's 100 best companies list for more than a decade.

Microsoft Named Best Legal Department of 2010 by Corporate Counsel

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In December 2009 Microsoft settled the company's longest and most expensive legal battle with European regulators. The settlement was symbolic for the company's legal team, which has set out to prove that it can resolve disputes amicably.

The Story of George B. Vashon, Early Pioneer in the Legal Profession

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

George B. Vashon made national news recently after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court admitted him to practice law in the state, 163 years after his application was denied due to his race.

Kagan Would Emphasize Supreme Court Moving in New Direction

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

With his second Supreme Court nomination in as many years, President Obama has laid down clear markers of his vision for the court, one that could prove to be among his most enduring legacies.

Research Study Reports on Compensation Challenges Faced by Women Partners in Large Law Firms

Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

This first-of-its kind survey examined women partners’ experiences and perspectives regarding their law firms’ compensation processes and practices through survey data collected from almost 700 women law firm partners.

Dorothy I. Height, Founding Matriarch of Civil Rights Movement, Dies at 98

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Dorothy I. Height, 98, a founding matriarch of the American civil rights movement whose crusade for racial justice and gender equality spanned more than six decades, has died.

Former NAACP leader Benjamin L. Hooks dies at 85

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Benjamin L. Hooks, 85, a lawyer and Baptist minister who led lunch-counter sit-in demonstrations during the 1960s and was the longtime head of the NAACP as it struggled to find its way in the post-civil rights era, died April 15 at his home in Memphis.

Obama Orders Hospitals to Grant Same-Sex Couples Visitation Rights

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

President Obama mandated that nearly all hospitals extend visitation rights to the partners of gay men and lesbians and respect patients' choices about who may make critical health-care decisions for them, a significant step in his efforts to expand the rights of gay Americans.

Only One of 3 Judges on Rumored Short List Would Bring Religious and Law School Diversity to Court

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Justice Stevens' retirement means there could be no justice on the Supreme Court who is a member of the majority religion in the United States, the New York Times reports.

Legal Heavyweights Lean on NALP to Track Nonequity Partners

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A group of 75 judges, prominent attorneys and legal scholars has fired off a letter to NALP in hopes of pressuring the organization to rethink its decision not to track nonequity partner numbers at law firms.

Obama Administration Supports Race-based Admissions Policy at UT-Austin

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Obama administration has asked a federal appeals court to uphold the system after two white students said the policy violated federal civil rights law.

Prominent Denver Lawyer Sanctioned for Overstating Diversity Claims

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Willie Shepherd, Jr., co-founder of Denver firm Kamlet Shepherd Reichert, received a public censure on Monday for misrepresenting the firm's diversity numbers to win legal work from DuPont, the Denver Business Journal reports.

Quinn Emanuel Becomes First Am Law 100 Firm to Have a Female Name Partner

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Kathleen Sullivan lends her surname to her firm, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, marking the first time a woman's name is on the door of an Am Law 100 firm.

Broadcast of MCCA's Diversity Dialogue

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Chicago -- On Wednesday, March 17, 2010, MCCA broadcasted a live panel discussion featuring local award winners as part of our Diversity Dialogue series. To watch the event video, click the link above. (Video and broadcast courtesy Alderson Reporting Company.)

Nominate a Latina Pioneer for 2010 Commission Awards

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The HNBA Commission on the Status of Latinas in the Legal Profession (Commission) is currently accepting nominations for its 2nd Annual Awards. The awards will be presented at the 35th Annual HNBA Annual Convention and 2nd Judicial Summit on September 8-11, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Deferred Associates Evaluate Their Experience in Public Interest Jobs

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Nearly three-quarters of deferred associates in New York who placed with public interest groups developed a stronger interest in pro bono work because of the experience, according to a report released last week by the New York City Bar.

Large U.S. Law Firms Less Diverse Than Last Year

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

That's the key finding to emerge from the latest version of AmLaw Daily's annual Diversity Scorecard, which counts attorneys of color in the U.S. offices of some 200 big firms.

Maryland to Recognize Gay Marriages From Other Places

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler declared Wednesday that Maryland will recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere and that its agencies should immediately begin affording gay married couples the same rights as heterosexual ones.

Maryland's Attorney General Says State Could Recognize Same-Sex Marriage

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler released a long-awaited opinion saying same-sex marriages performed in other states could be recognized by Maryland's legal system.

Race & Gender of Judges Make Enormous Differences in Rulings, Studies Find

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A judge's race or gender makes for a dramatic difference in the outcome of cases they hear - at least for cases in which race and gender allegedly play a role in the conduct of the parties, according to two recent studies.

Almost All Millennials Accept Interracial Dating and Marriage

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Large majorities of 18-to-29 year olds express support for interracial marriage within their families, and the level of acceptance in this generation is greater than in other generations.

Dell General Counsel Larry Tu Honored by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

He will be honored at the 2010 Justice in Action Awards at its Annual Lunar New Year Gala at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, in New York City.

Frank Wu Named Dean of UC Hastings College of Law

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Dean Wu will work with the Board of Directors to chart the course of the institution.

Same-Sex Marriage Set for Big Day in Federal Court

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

After a run of setbacks at the state level, gay rights advocates will take the campaign for same-sex marriage into a federal courtroom, starting down a treacherous avenue that ends at a U.S. Supreme Court dominated by conservatives.

Amanda Simpson, Transgender Candidate, Appointed to Commerce Post

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

President Obama has appointed Amanda Simpson, a transgender woman, to be the Senior Technical Adviser to the Commerce Department.

D.C. Mayor Signs Bill Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage in Washington

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty on Friday signed the bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the District, clearing the way for the law to take effect in mid-spring after a congressional review period.

D.C. Council Approves Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Economic impact could reach $22 million in 3 years; foes try to sway Congress, courts

Houston's Gay Mayor-Elect Calls Election 'Historic'

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Annise Parker, a former gay activist, was elected mayor of the country's fourth-largest city.

Xerox Recognized for Corporate Citizenship Initiatives

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Xerox Corporation has been internationally recognized in the second half of 2009 for its corporate citizenship efforts inthe areas of sustainability, diversity, and health and wellness.

Low-Income, Minority Students Lose Ground In College, Study Finds

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A new report on university systems from 24 states shows that low-income and minority students are not as well represented among those entering and graduating from four-year colleges as they are among high school graduates.

The McDonald's Diversity Story

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Pat Harris, McDonald's global chief diversity officer, shares her views on diversity and its importance.

MCCA's Executive Director Recognized as a 'Woman Who Means Business'

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Veta Richardson, MCCA's executive director, has been named one of Washington's "Women Who Mean Business" by the Washington Business Journal.

ABA Releases Report on Best Practices in Employing Lawyers with Disabilities

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The American Bar Association is now releasing a report, based on its seminal conference on the employment of lawyers with disabilities, as a resource tool for legal employers and lawyers with disabilities.

Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Redskins Naming Case

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Supreme Court declined to revive a lawsuit on behalf of Native American activists who claimed that the Washington Redskins' team name is so offensive that it does not deserve trademark protection.

Podcasts of Groundbreaking Disability Conference Now Available

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

If you missed this event, don't worry. You can still receive CLE credit by purchasing the compelling audio sessions.

Stephen Zack Named President-Elect of the American Bar Association

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP administrative partner will be the first Hispanic-American president-elect of the ABA.

MCCA Launches Group Mentoring Program at 10th Annual Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The KAN-Do! Group Mentoring Program provides an online environment for a group to collaborate and meet the specific learning needs of another group.

MCCA to Honor Diversity Initiatives of Legal Departments, Law Firm

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

MCCA will honor two of the nation’s leading corporate legal departments and spotlight a law firm with diversity awards at its Northeast Region Diversity Dinner at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on November 11, 2009.

Benchmark Study Finds Women- and Minority-Owned Law Firms Holding Steady Despite Recession

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the severity of the recession, a benchmark study by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, Inc. (MCCA) shows that law firms owned by women and minorities are holding their own, with many reporting good earnings and plans to hire more attorneys.

Middle School LGBT Students Face Extreme Levels of Harassment, Research Brief Finds

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Middle school LGBT students are significantly more likely to face hostile school climates than high school LGBT students, yet have less access to school resources and support, according to research from GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.

Drive for Diversity Initiative Adopts New Training Style

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The evolution of the Drive for Diversity, NASCAR’s leading on-track diversity initiative, will continue in 2010 as competitors relocate to Charlotte and enter “academy-style” development under a single team ownership structure.

Female Lawyers with Masculine Names May Have a Better Shot at Judgeships

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Women lawyers with masculine-sounding first names have better odds of becoming a judge than their counterparts with feminine names, at least in South Carolina, according to a study by two economics researchers.

Gay Latino Americans Are Coming of Age

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

While Latinos have broken ground on the U.S. Supreme Court, in Hollywood, and in professional sports, gay Latinos in the nation's public arena remain largely invisible.

Brinks Hosts 2nd Annual Just the Beginning Foundation's 2009 Summer Legal Institute

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione LLP recently hosted a luncheon and panel discussion for more than sixty Chicago-area high school juniors and seniors at the firm's Chicago office. This year Brinks was pleased to team with its client, Accenture, in sponsoring the event.

Xerox GC one of Leading Mentors for Asian-American Bar

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Don Liu was 37 years old when he became general counsel of Pennsylvania-based IKON Office Solutions in 1999. He thinks he may have been the youngest Fortune 500 GC at that time, but he’s certain that he was the only Asian American.

Downturn Dims Prospects Even at Top Law Schools

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

This fall, law students are competing for half as many openings at big firms as they were last year in what is shaping up to be the most wrenching job search season in over 50 years.

Diversity Is Still Lacking On the Federal Bench

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

President Obama changed the ethnic makeup of the Supreme Court by choosing Sonia Sotomayor to be the first Hispanic justice. But her elevation reduced the number of Latina federal appeals court judges by one-third.

North Carolina Central Tops List of Best Value Law Schools

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

North Carolina Central, which was on the cover of a recent Diversity & the Bar, tops National Jurist's list of "best value" law schools.

Ramadan Greetings!

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, will run from August 22 to September 20 this year. During this time, Muslim attorneys across the U.S. will be observing the fast, reflecting in prayer, and improving the community.

Obama Disses Marriage Law as Justice Defends It

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

President Barack Obama insisted Monday he still wants to scrap what he calls a discriminatory federal marriage law, even as his administration angered gay rights activists by defending it in court.

Sotomayor Confirmed by Senate, 68-31

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Voting largely along party lines, the Senate on Thursday confirmed Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the 111th justice of the Supreme Court. She will be the first Hispanic and the third woman to serve on the court.

The Real Affirmative Action Babies

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Why white women are the real winners in affirmative action.

GCs at Top Companies Averaged $1.8M in Pay and Bonuses Last Year

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

General counsel at the nation’s top companies earned $1.8 million in pay and bonuses last year, an increase of 2.6 percent.

Fla. Supremes Rule Gov. Must Pick Judge from All-White Panel

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Florida Supreme Court ruled last week that Gov. Charlie Crist had no consitutional authority to refuse to seat a new judge because he only had white nominees to choose from.

American Bar Association Gives Sotomayor Top Rating

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The American Bar Association on Tuesday gave U.S. Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor its top rating, boosting her anticipated confirmation as the first Hispanic justice on the highest U.S. court.

Interracial Roommates Can Reduce Prejudice, Campus Studies Find

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Several recent studies have found that having a roommate of a different race can reduce prejudice, diversify friendships, and even boost black students' academic performance.

High Court Backs Firefighters in Reverse Discrimination Suit

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The U.S. Supreme Court sided Monday with white firefighters in a workplace discrimination lawsuit, a divisive case over the role race should play in job advancement.

Obama Slow on Pledge to Gays

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In his first five months, Obama has taken incremental steps that have little real effect and left some people feeling betrayed.

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Appoints Willard Tom as General Counsel

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz announced the appointment of Willard Tom as General Counsel for the agency, and the appointment of four others to senior positions in the agency’s Competition and Economics Bureaus and the Office of Congressional Relations.

MCCA Views Supreme Court Nomination as an Inspiration to All Americans

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

MCCA's executive director, Veta Richardson, was invited to the White House to offer her thoughts on the Supreme Court nominee.

Bill Proposes Immigration Rights for Gay Couples

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Senator Leahy (D-Vt) has offered a bill that would allow American citizens and legal immigrants to seek residency in the United States for their same-sex partners, just as spouses now petition for foreign-born husbands and wives.

Obama Chooses Sotomayor for Supreme Court

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

President Obama nominated U.S. appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor of New York to replace retiring Justice David Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court.

At Xerox, a Transition for the Record Books

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Ursula M. Burns, the president of the company, will replace CEO Ann M. Mulcahy because she is retiring. It is the first time a female chief executive has replaced another female chief executive at a Fortune 500 company.

NASABA Award Winner Nominated By Obama for U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

President Obama announced his intent to nominate Preet Bharara and others for United States Attorneys.

Senate Approves Ivan Fong to be General Counsel for Homeland Security

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Homeland security and governmental affairs committee chairman Joe Lieberman and ranking member Susan Collins applauded the confirmation of Ivan K. Fong to be general counsel for the Department of Homeland Security.

Diversity Scorecard 2009: A New View of Success

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

When law.com published last year's Diversity Scorecard, they said that this year's edition would take a more nuanced look at how law firms are faring in boosting diversity within their ranks. At the time, law.com predicted that its new approach would shake up the rankings. And it did.

MCCA Salutes the Formation of a New Legal Diversity Organization

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Minority Corporate Counsel Association applauds the launch of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD)- a new organization being formed by 14 Fortune 500 senior legal executives and a number of law firm managing partners.

Library of Congress Ordered to Pay in Discrimination Suit

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

federal judge yesterday awarded a former special forces commander $491,190 in back pay and damages because officials with the Library of Congress discriminated against her when they rescinded a job offer after learning she was transitioning from being a man to being a woman.

Obama is Nudging Views on Race, a Survey Finds

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Barack Obama’s presidency seems to be altering the public perception of race relations in the United States. Two-thirds of Americans now say race relations are generally good, and the percentage of blacks who say so has doubled since last July, according to the latest New York Times/ CBS News poll.

$80,000 for a Year Off? She'll Take It!

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Some firms are paying associates to take a year off during the economic downturn.

Day of Silence Brings Attention to Anti-LGBT Bullying

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Hundreds of thousands of students across the country participated in GLSEN's 13th annual National Day of Silence to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying, and harassment.

Iowa Supreme Court Affirms Same-Sex Couples' Right to Marry

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Iowa Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of six same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses in 2005. Iowa becomes the third state, in addition to Massachusetts and Connecticut, to allow same-sex couples to marry.

National Law Journal Profiles America's Most Influential General Counsel

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Several MCCA supporters are featured.

NBA and NFL Greats to Attend 6th Annual General Counsel Invitational!

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The event is April 16-18, 2009 in Miami, FL at Doral Golf Resort and Spa.

Should This HBCU Be Saved?

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Morris Brown could barely pay its water bill. Endowments are down at Spelman and Morehouse. Passing a collection plate might not keep some historically black colleges afloat.

NALP Elects Pam Occhipinti to the Nominating Committee

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Association for Legal Career Professionals has elected Pam Occhipinti of Loyola University New Orleans School of Law to the Nominating Committee.

Recession Pushes Some to Eschew Flexible Job Policies

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Some workers' advocates say they are particularly concerned about the consequences for women.

What Color Is Your Superhero?

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The perennial image of the nerdy white suburban kid locked away in the basement with his boxes of comic books is no longer operative, because as America browns, the comic book audience is browning with it.

Arlington County, VA, Puts Diversity Among Its Top Priorities

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

As part of an effort to ensure that Arlington diversifies and includes even more in the future, the county hosted three Diversity Dialogues in the fall. A total of nearly 500 attended, in an effort to build connections and generate discussion among groups in the county.

Gaza War Strikes Home for Chicago Jewish-Palestinian Law Firm

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Respect for each other's opinion keeps an Arab-American attorney and her Jewish partner working together.

Senate Panel OKs Holder as Attorney General

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A U.S. Senate committee approved the nomination of Eric Holder to be the first black attorney general on Wednesday and lead President Barack Obama's effort to close the Guantanamo prison.

Just Announced! Judge Sam A. Lindsay to Give Opening Remarks at the MCCA South/Southwest Diversity Dinner

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Judge Lindsay will join guest co-hosts Rachel Gonzalez, Vice President & Deputy General Counsel of Dean Foods and Wayne Watts, Sr. Executive Vice President & General Counsel of AT&T in honoring the most diverse companies and firms in the region.

Obama Signs Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The legislation will essentially reverse the Supreme Court decision that requires workers to file charges on a pay discrimination claim within the first six months of receiving their first discriminatory paycheck.

First Family Reflects a Nation's Diversity

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

When President Barack Obama was sworn in on Tuesday, he was surrounded by an extended clan that would have shocked past generations of Americans and instantly redrew the image of a first family for future ones.

Cherokee Sam Bradford Leads Oklahoma to National Championship Game

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

But his appearance on one of sport's biggest stages, and his performance, are especially resonant in a state in which some 8% of the population is Native American and increasingly aware that Bradford has registered Cherokee roots.

In Georgia, Stir Over Plan for Black Colleges

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

As Georgia faces a potential $2 billion budget deficit, a state senator has created a stir with a plan for reducing education spending: merge two historically black universities in Albany and Savannah with nearby mostly white institutions.

President-Elect’s Picks Prove Diversity Is More Than Skin-Deep

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Obama seems to be assembling his senior staff with an eye toward gender and ethnic diversity, filling almost half the positions with women and one-third with non-whites.

Diversity = Productivity

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A new book by a University of Michigan economics professor uses mathematical modeling and case studies to show how variety in staffing produces organizational strength.

Diversity in the Fashion Industry?

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In the past year or so, the fashion industry has been paying particular attention to the question of diversity: the lack of it on the runway, as well as behind the scenes.

More Law Firms Are LGBT Friendly, Human Rights Campaign Reports

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In 2006, the first year law firms were invited to participate, 12 achieved a score of 100 percent. That figure has leaped to an unprecedented industry high of 64 businesses occupying the 100 percent tier, eclipsing banking and financial services.

Law Firms Get Rated on Female Friendliness

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

More law firms are reaching out to women by focusing on work/life issues. Thomas A. Mars, the general counsel of Walmart Stores, summed up the shift when he said, “We’re not running a fire department, we’re running a law department.”

New Nonprofit Group Funds UC-Irvine Law Program for Underrepresented Students

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

California ALL (Aspire, Learn, Lead), a new nonprofit organization that supports the educational success of underrepresented high school students, awarded its first grant to the University of California – Irvine for a Saturday Law Academy. Funding for the Saturday Law Academy was donated by Verizon.

In Under-5 Set, Minority Becoming the Majority

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A surge in Hispanic immigration over the past decade has dramatically altered the racial and ethnic composition of the region's youngest residents, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau figures.

Number of Companies with Top Rating for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Workers Jumps By One-Third

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation released the seventh annual Corporate Equality Index, which rates 583 businesses on a scale from 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees.

Muslims Begin Observance of Ramadan

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Starting September 1, Muslim attorneys will recognize the holy month of Ramadan by fasting, praying, and improving local communities.

Female Attorneys Still Face Challenges As Mothers

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Although women have made great strides in employment, they still face challenges once they decide to become parents.

Veta Richardson Receives NLGLA’s 2008 Allies for Justice Award

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Veta T. Richardson, Executive Director of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), has been named the recipient of the 2008 Allies for Justice Award from the National Lesbian and Gay Law Association (NLGLA).

Companies Turn to Disabled for Help

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Over the past few years, companies have taken bigger steps to bring more disabled people into the professional workforce, according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal.

Microsoft Launches Groundbreaking Diversity Initiative

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Microsoft’s Law Firm Diversity Program is a new approach to increase diversity at Microsoft’s Premier Preferred Provider (PPP) law firms.

Hispanic Bar Association Creates International Business Law Section

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The new Section will tackle a plethora of issues concerning international business law.

Cathy Devlin wins MCCA's Lawyer's Cup Challenge

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Helping minority students go to law school, one stroke at a time.

Lawyers Converge in Miami for Golf Classic

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

MCCA's fifth annual General Counsel Invitational Golf & Spa Classic was a great success.

Law Students Focus on Immigration

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Interest in immigration law is increasing at law schools across the country.

DiversityInc Announces Its Annual Top 50 Companies for Diversity

KnowledgeWatch — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

DiversityInc, a magazine that focuses on diversity in business, released its annual "Top 50 Companies for Diversity" list in its June issue.

Microsoft pledges $500,000 to Support the 10x10x10 Campaign

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The money will support MCCA's scholarship program and other diversity campaigns.

Colleges See Success With Minority Programs

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Universities that recognize the disparity between graduation rates of minority students and white students and act to improve it through minority programs are seeing positive results.

Vault.com and MCCA Launch Groundbreaking Database to Compare Law Firm Diversity

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Vault.com and MCCA announce the creation of an online database that will allow corporations, law firms and prospective employees to compare diversity among leading law firms.

Survey Shows Law Firms Increasing Attention to Diversity

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

MCCA's recently conducted survey finds that law firms are paying more attention to diversity.

MCCA Recognizes Three Diversity Leaders in Western Region

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

At its recent Western Region Diversity Dinner in Los Angeles, MCCA honored two legal departments and a law firm for their exceptional commitment to promoting diversity. The pre-dinner Diversity Dialogue, featuring representatives from the region's award winners, was a great hit as well!

The Coca-Cola Company Names Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. as Recipient of its First

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

At its first "Living the Values" award dinner, The Coca-Cola Company recognized Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. for its commitment to diversity.

The Business Case for Diversity at the CPCU Society

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Business Case for Diversity at the CPCU Society is a recent CPCU Society-sponsored analysis of whether a "business case" can be made for the CPCU Society's expressed commitment to increasing the diversity of its membership and promoting diversity inside and outside of its ranks.

New Human Rights Campaign Foundation Guide Helps Employers Create Fair Policies for Transgender Workers

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

"Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace" offers guidance on policies and practices to ensure all employees are protected.

Sidley Austin's

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Sidley Austin LLP's initiative seeks to counter the financial barriers and misconceptions about the process of applying for law school faced by many minority undergraduate students.

MCCA Recognizes Three Diversity Leaders in Midwest Region

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

At its recent Midwest Region Diversity Dinner in Chicago, MCCA honored two legal departments and a law firm for their commitment to promoting diversity in the workplace. The pre-dinner Diversity Dialogue was a great hit as well!

RECAP: MCCA's 2008 7th Annual CLE Expo

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

MCCA hosted its seventh annual CLE Expo, exploring timely topics and featuring intuitive speakers. Thanks to all who attended and supported the event!

Law School Enrollment Statistics For 2007-08 Show Only Slight Changes

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The ABA reports on 2007-08 law student enrollment and compares it to the previous year.

Diversity Initiative 2008: Locating Minority- and Women-Owned Law Firms Serving Corporate America

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Five leading American corporations are taking matters into their own hands and are creating an online directory of minority and women-owned law firms.

2008 South/Southwest Awards Winners Announced at its Annual Regional Dinner

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

MCCA honored two legal departments and two law firms for their exceptional commitment and continuing support in promoting diversity in the workplace.

MCCA Launches the 10x10x10 Campaign for Expansion and Development of Services

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

MCCA marks its ten-year anniversary by launching a capital campaign to expand its efforts and strengthen its abilities.

MCCA and Lexis-Nexis Martindale-Hubbell Combine to Offer $15,000 for Winner of New Fellowship

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

MCCA has partnered with LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell to offer the new Annual LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Client Review Fellowship Award. A recipient will be chosen for a $15,000 fellowship to assist in furthering professional objectives. Deadline: Oct. 1, 2007. Click more for details.

MCCA Denounces Supreme Court Decision in School Board Cases

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0000

MCCA denounces the June 28, 2007, Supreme Court decision in the cases of Meredith v. Jefferson County Board of Education (Kentucky) and Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District.

New Study Finds That Blacks Admitted Under Affirmative Action Do Better in College Than Legacies Who Receive Admissions Preferences

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Sociologists at Princeton University have found that students who received legacy admissions preferences are more likely to run into academic trouble than African Americans who were admitted under affirmative action admissions programs.

Court: Michigan University Must Comply With Affirmative Action Ban

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

LANSING, Mich. Supporters of Michigan’s Proposal 2 won a key legal battle late Friday, as a federal appeals court lifted an injunction that had given the state’s three major universities six more months to comply with parts of the new law.

NAFSA Proposes Bipartisan Legislative Agenda on International Education

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

NAFSA: Association of International Educators on Wednesday issued an international education agenda for the 110th Congress, setting out a detailed legislative proposal to support and enhance U.S. global leadership, security and competitiveness.