The document discusses the lack of diversity in the legal profession. Statistics show that the legal profession is the least diverse out of major professions. This is due to not only insufficient pipeline programs for diverse students but also high attrition rates of diverse attorneys, who either do not enroll in law school or leave legal practice after a few years. Walmart invests heavily in pipeline programs and analyzes their effectiveness. It also implements associate secondment programs with law firms to provide opportunities for diverse associates to gain in-house experience. Walmart hopes these efforts help reverse the trend of declining diversity in the legal field.

1. 26 PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL May/June 2013
The lack of diversity in the legal community is the most significant
issue affecting the legal profession. Department of Labor statistics
show that out of the major professions, the legal profession is the least
diverse. This can be attributed not only to the lack of enough pipe-
line efforts, but also to the attrition rates of diverse attorneys. Diverse
attorneys are either not making it into law school or are deciding
to no longer pursue the practice of law after a few years of practice.
With the recession, it has been noted that diverse attorneys have been
disproportionally affected. There have been various reasons given for
such circumstances, but we are focusing on what we can do to change
this continuing trend. Walmart continues to spend a great deal of its
resources on pipeline efforts and we are closely analyzing which are the
most effective. The legal department of Walmart also has implemented
a Secondment Program, with LCLD member law firms, which gives
talented diverse outside counsel associates an opportunity to work
in-house with Walmart for six months. This creates a unique learn-
ing experience for the associate and helps build relationships that will
enhance the associate’s career. We have had two successful programs
with both SNR Denton and Littler. We are pleased with how the
program has worked and look forward to building it into an even bet-
ter program. We are also looking at how to build a better scorecard
in which to help better rate our law firms on cost, performance, and
diversity. We hope that these efforts will help reverse the trend and
continue to improve the opportunity for diverse attorneys to reach the
highest levels of the legal profession. PDJ
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
HEADQUARTERS:
Bentonville, Arkansas
WEBSITE:
www.corporate.walmart.com
BUSINESS:
Retail
REVENUES:
$469.2 billion
EMPLOYEES:
2.2 million
EDUCATION:
BBA, James Madison University;
JD, Washington and Lee University
MY PHILOSOPHY:
Take the time to invest in others.
It will be your greatest legacy.
INTERESTS:
History and religion
DESCRIBE YOURSELF
IN THREE WORDS:
Driven, adaptable, collaborative
LAWYERSPOTLIGHT
Lack of Diversity Threatens
Legal Profession
Michael H. Spencer
SENIOR ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
How did you become interested in law? Learning about how pioneers such as
Thurgood Marshall used the law to change America.
Why is diversity important specifically to the legal field? Attorneys are the gate-
keepers of the law and through diversity, all people can have access.
What advice do you have for upcoming lawyers? Do not be afraid to raise your
hand for assignments. It will get you noticed.
“
“
DIVERSE ATTORNEYS ARE EITHER NOT MAKING
IT INTO LAW SCHOOL OR DECIDING TO NO LONGER
PURSUE THE PRACTICE OF LAW AFTER
A FEW YEARS OF PRACTICE.