Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Announces 2020 Fellows and Pathfinders

Chambers, a commercial litigator in V&E’s Washington office, joins more than 300 other mid-career LCLD Fellows from across the United States who were identified as high-potential diverse attorneys from preeminent organizations. Launched in 2011, LCLD’s Fellows Program includes in-house and law firm lawyers and is one of the most comprehensive legal talent development programs in the country designed to advance the next generation of leaders in the legal profession.

Alvarado, a corporate finance lawyer in V&E’s Dallas office, and Arishita, a commercial litigator in V&E’s Austin office, join LCLD’s Pathfinder Program supporting attorneys with three to five years of experience. The Pathfinder Program provides mentoring and training in critical career development strategies, including leadership skills and building professional networks.

Over the course of these year-long programs, participants will be challenged to enhance their professional brand, build professional relationships, participate in corporate learning experiences and sharpen leadership skills.

“In cities across the U.S., our members, diversity professionals and program participants are doing the necessary work of building networks, sponsoring each other and paying it forward to the leaders of tomorrow, who will inherit an America that is more diverse with every passing year,” said Ellen Dwyer, LCLD Chair and Chair of Crowell & Moring’s Executive Committee.

Founded in 2009, LCLD is a national organization of more than 300 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners who are personally committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive legal profession. In 2018, V&E received the organization’s Compass Award for commitment to diversity.

Former LCLD Fellows include V&E partners Manuel Berrelez and Devika Kornbacher and counsel Quentin Smith.

Former Pathfinders include V&E senior associates Carla Jordan-Detamore, Alex Kamel, Simone King, Robert Landicho, Kent Piacenti and Julia Tong.

“Bringing together law firms and in-house legal departments, LCLD has been a driving force in the legal profession with its focused initiatives on diversity and inclusion. I’m proud that V&E has been involved since the beginning as a charter member,” said Manuel Berrelez.