OLDC COVID-19 Project

Click here to view the recent article, "New Tack to Solve D&I Shortcomings - Consortium Aims to Solve Old Problem" published in Crain's Cleveland Business.

The OLDC is committed to supporting diverse law students and junior attorneys, particularly with regard to mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diversity in the legal profession. It is well-established that the legal profession is among the least diverse professions and challenging economic times have historically only decreased diversity in the law. Notably, the 2008 economic downturn disproportionately impacted diversity efforts and the legal profession took many steps backward in terms of gender and racial/ethnic diversity. Many minority lawyers dropped out of the profession entirely and representation of some demographic groups, specifically African Americans, took more than a decade to return to pre-recession levels. The OLDC recognizes that if the legal industry does not remain focused on, and committed to, diversity, equity and inclusion, we will repeat the mistakes made in 2008 and erase another decade of progress.

The OLDC will provide support in three core areas: (1) employment;
(2) professional development; and (3) connection.

For more information about the OLDC contact us at Diversity@ThompsonHine.com.

OLDC Virtual Mock Interview Program

The OLDC is pleased to announce the launch of our 2020 Virtual Mock Interview Program. This program is designed to give you an opportunity to hone virtual interview skills in advance of the upcoming recruiting season. Attorneys from Thompson Hine and other Ohio area firms, in-house counsel, and law school career advisors, will provide 1:1 opportunities for interview practice in a virtual world. Sign up for a mock interview to gain real-time feedback on ways to connect, highlight your unique skills and experience, and stand out in a virtual interview format.

When: Mock interview matches will be made during the last week of October 2020.

How it works: Law student participants will be matched with attorney and/or career advisor mock interviewers. Matched interview pairs will be connected to coordinate a mutually agreeable date and time for 30 minute mock interviews. Each interview will include 20 minutes interviewing, followed by 10 minutes of feedback.

How to participate:

• Attorney registration will open in mid-September 2020
• Student registration will open in early October 2020

Student Registration Link

Students will be matched on a first come, first served bases so please register early! The deadline to register is Friday, October 23, 2020.