It can sometimes seem like there’s lots of talk about how to make big law firms more diverse, but not much progress. So another group of lawyers has taken charge: general counsel. They’re using their positions of power to ensure that law firms hire, retain and promote lawyers from diverse backgrounds.
Leslie Thornton, general counsel and senior vice president at WGL Holdings Inc., parent to Washington Gas Light Co., is one such GC. Thornton was recently awarded the George B. Vashon Innovator Award by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association for her efforts. She spoke with Corporate Counsel about some of the approaches she takes in holding firms accountable.
