Meet Our 2019 Fellow, Pathfinder, and 1L LCLD Scholar

Fellow: Oni Harton, Partner, Litigation, Indianapolis

I consider it a singular honor to be selected as the firm’s 2019 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Fellow. From the time a mentor introduced me to the program when I was a third-year lawyer, I kept it on my radar with the goal of participating. Several of our top firm clients also select Fellows each year, as both the firm and our clients recognize the value in purposeful relationship-building and a real commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive legal profession.

Although achieving meaningful diversity and inclusion in the legal profession has proved to be an ongoing challenge, the LCLD Fellows Program addresses these challenges head-on. It also seeks to educate and empower Fellows as we navigate these challenges. For example, LCLD has already provided the opportunity for me and the other 2019 Fellows to learn from a curated list of best-in-class speakers, authors and business educators.

One unique aspect of the Fellows Program is the Accountability Partner (AP) system. As part of this system, Fellows are paired and encouraged to engage regularly during the Fellowship year to enhance their professional development. My AP, an assistant general counsel and vice president in the banking and financial services industry, and I have quickly established a strong rapport. I have meetings with my AP at regular intervals where we share goals, evaluate progress, challenge and encourage each other. Additionally, I’m afforded an up-close look at how another organization approaches diversity and inclusion in tandem with the other demands of its business.

I look forward to my continued participation in this year-long program and plan to attend two additional in-person meetings and corporate learning experiences. At the learning experiences, a small group of Fellows has access to key legal and business officers of a LCLD member corporation. They will guide us through in-depth discussions regarding the competitive factors driving global corporations and the role and responsibilities of general counsel. Gaining a deeper understanding of such issues, along with the professional development, will enable me to better serve my clients and achieve better results in my practice.

I am proud of the firm’s leadership taking an active role in supporting LCLD’s initiatives and appreciate being selected for this opportunity.

Pathfinder: A. Elizabeth Underwood, Associate, Litigation, Fort Wayne

The LCLD Pathfinders Program has a distinguished reputation for challenging lawyers to develop the mindset and skill set needed for impactful leadership. Being selected to participate in this program, which targets diverse and high-potential attorneys, is personally affirming, and motivates me to continue to use my human capital to create space for diversity in the legal profession. It also demonstrates Barnes & Thornburg’s continued commitment to diversity leadership.

The Pathfinders program provides a phenomenal opportunity to learn from seasoned legal professionals from the around the world, dissect best practices, cultivate critical careerdevelopment strategies, and build professional networks. Through the program’s intensive in-person training, experiential online modules, and peergroup projects, I’ve engaged in focused and robust dialogue on leadership and honed professional skills that allow me to be even more intentional as I plot the trajectory of my career.

1L LCLD Scholar: Nicholas Rivera, Law Clerk, Minneapolis, Mitchell Hamline School of Law

The legal industry is still typically dominated by white male attorneys, but to know that Barnes & Thornburg is working hard throughout its offices to hire racially and ethnically diverse candidates with different areas of interest is a testament to its dedication to diversity.

After being hired as the Minneapolis 1L summer clerk, I was blown away that I was selected to represent the firm at such a prestigious LCLD 1L Scholars conference. Being new to the legal world and profession, I am always looking to expand my network. Expanding my network with students from all over the country at LCLD gave me a clear picture of a diverse future legal profession.

Now that I have attended the conference, I have a greater understanding of how to create a career path for myself in the law. I have a better understanding of the generational communication gap that needs to be approached differently by both young associates and partners alike. I also have a better understanding of the implicit biases that may exist surrounding women and how to both approach and avoid those biases.

As a future leader in legal diversity, I must always be aware of Barnes & Thornburg’s external image and its internal practices. I hope to help continue the tradition of diversity at Barnes & Thornburg, where people have the opportunity to showcase their abilities, culture and personalities. Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders