Bell Nunnally has been a member of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) since 2017. The organization is comprised of more than 300 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners dedicated to building a more open and diverse legal profession.
LCLD “Fellows Program” members are mid-career professionals who have been nominated by their company or law firm’s executive members in recognition of strong past performance and leadership. The “Fellow” year focuses on relationship-building, in-person training, peer-group projects and extensive contact with LCLD’s leadership. Bell Nunnally has sent one mid-career professional each year to participate in the Fellows Program since joining.
LCLD “Pathfinder Program” members are early career attorneys, also nominated by their company or organization, who have three-to-five years of practice experience. The initiative aims to arm its set of diverse, high-potential professionals with practical tools for developing and leveraging internal professional networks. The “Pathfinder Program” focuses on relationship building, foundational leadership instruction and career development activities. Bell Nunnally has sent two early career attorneys a year to participate in the Pathfinder Program.
Bell Nunnally attorney Alana Ackels was selected to the LCLD's 2019 "Fellows Program." In addition, attorneys Katie Beaird and Jennice Lee were selected to the 2019 "Pathfinders Program." Alana, Katie and Jennice follow Bell Nunnally partner and 2017 “Fellow” Karen Hart and associates and “Pathfinders” Saba Syed. In 2016, Partner Sonja McGill participated in the “Fellows Program” and associate Murphy Sayre participated in the “Pathfinders Program.” The chair of Bell Nunnally’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Kassandra McLaughlin, is a 2014 Fellow alumna.
In 2019, Sonja McGill was elected to the LCLD Executive Committee as Chair of the Advocacy Program.