8 At the international law firm Latham & Watkins LLP, diversity is a fundamental tenet of the firm’s culture. This year it launched the Diversity Leadership Academy, a professional development program for law students and firm associates. As Global Chair of the Diversity Leadership Committee and San Diego partner, Nadia Sager describes it this way: “This Academy is one of the ways Latham says to law students and associates, ‘We are invested in you. We are here to support you. We celebrate the rich experiences
LATHAM & WATKINS DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND CREATING FUTURE LEADERS and perspectives you bring to the firm and to our clients, and we are dedicated to helping you succeed.’” INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION The inaugural Academy was a resounding success, with nearly 200 attendees, including Latham & Watkins lawyers from around the world and law students from across the United States. For two days, attendees participated in training sessions and social events geared toward inspiring the next generation of leaders, providing advanced
Global Chair of Diversity Leadership Committee Nadia Sager
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skills training, and creating new relationships with senior attorney mentors and role models. The Academy is unique, given its focus on both the practicing attorney and law student populations. With its numerous pipeline, retention, and advancement benefits, the Academy is a particularly innovative diversity initiative with broad reach. Training sessions for law students included tips for transitioning from law student to summer associate, resume writing, and interviewing.