Lauren Young Durbin Esq.

I'm thrilled to share that I have successfully completed my capstone project, titled "You Are Important, We Need You to Thrive: Exploring Thriving and Well-Being in Black Women Lawyers" which begins to explore the unique challenges and opportunities that Black women face in the legal profession. This work is just the beginning of a long academic journey to explore a topic within a population that has been largely overlooked in research. Through a comprehensive literature review, I delved into the systemic barriers, microaggressions, and the imposter phenomenon that often hinder the success of Black women lawyers. At the same time, I uncovered the resilience, high-quality connections, and culturally responsive support systems that can help them thrive. By understanding the intersection of race, gender, and profession, we can begin to build legal spaces that truly empower all lawyers to reach their full potential. I’m excited to continue this important work, advocating for the changes needed to ensure that Black women lawyers not only survive but thrive in their careers. I'm just getting started! 🌟 It's now published on the University of Pennsylvania Scholarly Commons. You can read it here! https://lnkd.in/ecEU4QWf #BlackWomenLawyers #LegalProfession #WellBeing #PositivePsychology #ThrivingInLaw #CapstoneComplete

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"sorry I missed your call…" "sorry for the delay…" "sorry for not getting back to you sooner…" I feel the crushing weight of urgency sometimes. I'm guessing you do too. Why? Why do we feel like everything is so urgent? Is it the programming we daily receive from our dynasty of dinging devices? Apologizing for a response to an email a week after receiving it, or a week after promising a response – that I get. But why are we apologizing for missing an unscheduled call? Especially when we respond 30 minutes later? Why do we feel guilt for responding a day or two after an unscheduled email or text? Apologizing for not responding Monday to communications over the weekend? I don't expect that kind of responsiveness from people. And I don't think they expect it from me. Or from you. But still I feel it. And I see other people feeling it too. I think more often than not, we're creating a self-imposed tyranny of the urgent that is based on our assumptions about what other people expect. This sort of hyper responsiveness adds stress and anxiety. It also encourages constant monitoring for interruptions. It also can interfere with a well thought out response. Sometimes... WE ARE ACTIVELY SEEKING TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM PRODUCTIVITY SIMPLY SO WE CAN BE RESPONSIVE TO COMMUNICATIONS. I suspect it's often based on FOMO. But that FOMO comes at a cost. I think it is causing us to miss out on productivity. On the present. Perhaps we should have more FOMO about that, and less about the unexpressed expectations WE THINK that others have of us. I suspect that the long term result of all of that monitoring and hyper-responsiveness is to create interruptions, that cause delays, that cause us to have true delays on the things that matter most. How can we actually know what people need and people expect. Just. Ask. Set boundaries if needed. And give yourself some grace. Not everything is urgent. Breathe. Slow down. Stay Focused. And things will naturally speed up on their own. #Leadership #BusinessOwner

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Tomorrow, I'll be speaking at the sold-out Legal Geek Conference 2024! My talk is called "The Power of Community: Lessons from the Black Counsel Forum". If you're lucky enough to have a ticket to this amazing conference, come and listen or just say hello if you see me around! #LegalGeek #LegalTechnology #Lawtech"

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I messed up my career And it took a crisis to make me realize it. Back in 2021, I was looking for a job, but I had an abysmal network. I’d lost touch with most people in my field, and I knew hardly anyone who could help. That’s when it hit me – I’d spent years working hard but neglected one of the most important assets: a strong network. Right then and there, I made myself a promise: I’d never let myself end up in that position again. I started meeting the right people, connecting with them authentically, and nurturing those relationships. Now, I’m proud to say I have a network full of people I truly admire and respect. These are real connections, not just names on a list. But yes, I still call it networking. Here’s what I wish I’d known sooner: ➡️ Networking isn’t about collecting contacts – it’s about building genuine relationships ➡️ Approach people with curiosity and a desire to help, not just to ask for favors ➡️ Consistency is key. Nurture those relationships regularly, not just when you need them. The right network is more than a job search tool. It’s a support system, a source of growth, and a place to give back. Want to learn more about how I created a valuable network full of authentic, powerful relationships? Like this post so I know you want to see more!

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Partners, Associates, and Law Students: How do you build business and industry reputation by getting involved in industry organizations and networking groups ? 1. Research local, national, and international groups in your practice area, industry groups, and networking groups. For example, if you're an IP attorney, organizations in your practice area could include INTA, AIPLA, IPO, Marques, ECTA, the ABA IP Section, your local bar IP section, your local ChIPs group, The Copyright Society, etc. Industry organizations include groups in the specific industries within which you practice where you'll find business people rather than lawyers. Networking groups could include Chambers of Commerce, BNI, USA500, Provisors, eWomenNetwork, The Dames, etc. 2. Pick 1 - 3 groups and see when their next meeting is. Register for it and put it on your calendar. Attend the meeting. 3. Have a brief intro prepared to let people know who you are, where you work, what you can do for them, and your target audience. 4. Attend a few meetings and see if you want to stick with those groups. Stick with 1 - 3 groups and consistently attend meetings or be involved so you get to know the other members well. 5. Have 1:1 or small group coffee chats with other members to get to know them better. 6. Be a connector. Connect other members of the organization with individuals who could help build their business or visibility. 7. Look for opportunities to get involved - volunteer to help organize an event, be the secretary for meetings, raise your hand for opportunities to spotlight your business, help run the meetings, lead a project team, etc. 8. Look for opportunities to join and lead committees within the organizations and be actively involved. Spend 15 - 30 minutes this week researching No. 1 via the internet and/or by speaking with other attorneys to see if they can recommend groups. Create a list of top groups and spend another 15 - 30 minutes next week scheduling meetings. Put these time blocks on your calendar this week. What other groups do you recommend for attorneys? What else do you recommend with respect to getting involved in organizations? (I coach attorneys on figuring out which group works best in terms of their interests, target audience, and schedule. I also help attorneys prep for conferences. If you need help, send me a message. I have a couple coaching spots open in October.)

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Between the couple of years I spent as a legal recruiter and the fact that I’ve made a few career pivots of my own (lawyer —> recruiter —> DEI professional), I’ve had a lot of people ask me for advice on changing careers. My overall advice is pretty simple. Don’t let sunk costs prevent you from making a professional move that puts you in to better professional/personal alignment. Also, there are no rules to any of this. You can accomplish anything that you believe you can accomplish. What I’ve also seen, repeatedly, is that people who thrive professional usually like what they do. It may not be their undying passion (that might be a hobby), but they generally like the work. And, most of us dont get it right the first time. We make changes/moves/pivots along the way to find our professional groove. That may even include starting over. This is rarely easy. Depending on the change, it may actually be quite scary. But, what’s actually terrifying is choosing unhappiness over uncertainty.

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Did you know you can ALWAYS ask for more severance money? Yup, what they offer you is just that, an OFFER. What does that mean? In legalese, your employer is presenting you with the terms of a contract. Contracts have to be agreeable to both sides, or should be. Don't like the terms? You don't have to accept them! Too often I see employees mistakenly believe the only options are to sign immediately or walk away. NOT TRUE! Your employer is making you an offer, which you can: 1) accept as is (I don't recommend this!) 2) walk away (Don't do this without speaking with an attorney!) 3) negotiate! Your employer may even EXPECT you to negotiate, which is why they are likely to low-ball your severance offer. I cannot say this enough: Don't. Sign. Anything. A few tricks to look out for in getting you to sign right away: 1) They send you the document via a signing program - please no! 2) They give you a false deadline (age 40 or over? They must give you 21 days to review) 3) Everything they say acts like it's a done deal. Of course, they WANT you to think it's a one-way transaction, but it's NOT. It's a CONTRACT, and both sides give up something in a contract and get something in return. Don't forget, they want you to NOT SUE THEM. And that is valuable to them. So get some advice before signing anything. I am here to help.

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**"I Am" Affirmations** 😎 Harness the power of affirmations to help transform your present reality and embody a better version of yourself. 🎁 Affirmations should be framed positively and expressed in the present tense to be most effective. 🥇 Here are some compelling ways to incorporate "I Am" affirmations into your daily routine: 🥁 - Write your affirmations by hand to create a personal connection. 🎤 - Recite them first thing in the morning, right before you sleep, throughout the day, and anytime you need a boost of confidence. 🧲 If you’re looking for inspiration, consider these empowering affirmations related to business and leadership: 🚀 - I am a visionary leader. - I am open to change. - I am optimistic. 🛸 Embrace these affirmations, and watch how they can elevate your mindset and drive transformation. 🛎️ There are many other tools that one can use! But this is a good way to start, and it is easy to use. 🌡️ I have a complete list of affirmations for all areas of life, and I am thinking of creating a booklet to help others. 🌞 What do you think? ⭐ What is the most powerful affirmation that you can use today? 🪐

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What Rights Do You Have When Asked to Relocate for Work? 🌟 Hey LinkedIn community, I hope everyone’s summer is off to a great start! 🌞 I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about what rights you have when your company asks you to #relocate. It’s a big decision and can feel pretty overwhelming, so let’s break it down. 📜 Employment Contract: First things first—check your employment contract. Does it have a relocation clause? If so, it might outline specific terms like coverage for moving expenses, temporary housing, or other perks. If not, it’s time to have a conversation with your employer about these details. 💡 Negotiation: Remember, relocation is a two-way street. You have the right to negotiate the terms. This can include: Moving Costs: Ask if they cover moving services, travel expenses, or even help with selling your current home. Housing Assistance: Inquire about temporary housing or a housing allowance in the new location. Salary Adjustments: Cost of living varies—make sure your salary reflects the new area's living costs. Family Considerations: If you have a family, discuss spousal job support or school search assistance for kids. 🔍 Labor Laws: Depending on where you live, there might be specific labor laws protecting you. For instance, in some places, significant changes to your job terms (like relocation) without consent could be seen as constructive dismissal. 🤝 Reasonable Notice: Your employer should give you reasonable notice. This gives you time to prepare, both personally and professionally. What’s “reasonable” can vary, but it’s generally enough time to manage the logistics of the move. 👥 Support Systems: Finally, see what support systems your company has in place. This might include relocation consultants, real estate assistance, or even language and cultural training if you’re moving abroad. If you’re being asked to relocate, it’s essential to understand your rights and make sure any agreement works for both you and your employer. Feel free to drop any questions below or DM me if you need more personalized advice. Stay informed and take charge of your career journey! 🚀 #ohio #law #employmentlaw #workersrights #ohiolaw #ohiolawyer

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If there’s one thing that I’ve seen continuously elevating black lawyers careers in top law firms It is for them to identify a niche and focus on owning that niche A well-defined niche is not just about becoming an expert in a specific practice area Black lawyers can own that niche by: 1. Spotting market needs/trends/new laws and regs (read industry reports, ask clients about their challenges) 2. Developing a unique skill set: which is usually a mix of  - specialised knowledge of both practice area and industry  - getting additional certifications - joining communities and networks related to their niche 3. Talking about it (both offline and online) - speaking/attending events - organising your own events - posting on LinkedIn and industry specific publications Pro tip: owning a niche alone is not enough, make sure to make it known widely within the firm and outside (hence no. 3) For example, one of the fantastic female lawyers at Black Counsel Forum's annual summit BCF24 just 6 weeks ago shared their story about how they made partner by becoming top of mind for data privacy in a niche sector. I am Sharon, founder of BCF and I am on a double mission to help Black lawyers build excellence in their career, and law firms and law departments to create a supportive culture where black lawyers can thrive. Follow me on Linkedin for more content about career excellence for lawyers. #BCF24 #BlackCounselForum #careers #lawyers

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Did you know that employment attorneys turn down like 90% of cases that come their way? Are you having trouble finding an employment attorney? Wondering, why are employment attorneys SO hard to find? Let's talk about it. I spend a LOT of my time referring folks from all over the country to other employment attorneys, including some in my own state. And I often hear that folks are tired and frustrated. I get it, it's exhausting to have to keep telling your story over and over again, only to get rejected. Here are just a few reasons attorneys turn down cases: 1) They are overworked already, especially if they are a solo or small firm. Even at bigger firms, attorneys often have too large a caseload. You don't want anyone representing you who does not have time for you. If an attorney says they don't have "bandwidth" be grateful for their honestly. 2) You had a previous attorney. Many attorneys have a policy to not take cases where another lawyer already started working on the case. There can be different reasons for this, and it sucks, but it's a reality. 3) Your case is not strong enough. For an employment attorney to take your case on "contingency", which means you pay nothing up front, they are taking a HUGE risk that they may work MANY hours and never get paid. So yeah, you got screwed over, but unless a law was CLEARLY broken, most lawyers won't take that risk. 4) Your case is not big enough bucks. A law may have been broken but the potential damages are too small, so just not worth their time. I know it sucks and it's hard, but it can take MANY tries to find the right lawyer for you. Just because a few turned you down does NOT necessarily mean you have a "bad case". But it might, it just depends. I have a lot more to say about this topic, do you have questions? Ask me!

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Big Announcement! My new book, “Leadership From Nothing to Something”, is officially out! 🎉 Whether you're just starting your leadership journey or aiming to elevate your skills, there's something in it for everyone! Available now: 📖 Soft copy on #Kindle 📚 Paperback on #Amazon 💻 easy access on #Selar Tap or click here to grab your copy today: https://lnkd.in/eSJhhXbp #LeadershipFromNothingToSomething #NewBookAlert #LeadershipJourney #AmazonBooks #KindleReads #Selar #LevelUpYourLeadership

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🌟✨ Finding Your Path: A Journey to Career Clarity ✨🌟 I am reading Maya Angelou's memoir "Mom, Me & Mom", and one of the things Maya says about her mother (Vivian Baxter) is that: "She lived as though life was created for her enjoyment." Whoaaah! Imagine that. Imagine if we all lived as though life was only meant for our enjoyment? Let me tell you what would happen. We would step into the world so unafraid. Even in the turbulence, we would be assured that we are boss of this thang' and all is well. In that Vivian Baxter spirit therefore, I write this for myself and for anyone who needs guidance in refining their career path. Because, let's face it, unexpected turns do happens and you have to re-configure your path as you go. 🔍 Reflect on Your Passions: What do you truly enjoy doing? Take a moment to reconnect with what truly sets your soul on fire. What activities make you lose track of time? What topics ignite your curiosity and enthusiasm? Go there. 🎯 Define Your Values: What principles and beliefs are non-negotiable for you? Aligning your career with your core values brings a sense of authenticity and fulfillment. For me, an inspirational workplace is a non-negotiable, so the choices I take will always reflect that. 🌱 Embrace Growth and Learning: We know a lot, but we don't know everything. Let life teach you. You know what you want, but there is a bigger picture which you do not know about. Allow life to guide you, in other words, be flexible. 🌈 Trust the Process: Yea, I know. These words are thrown around too often, but do we really know what they mean? To trust the process is to be at peace with where you are, and to know that everything in the now and in the future will always work for your good. In a snapshot: Embrace the journey, embrace the possibilities, and above all, embrace yourself. Your path to career clarity starts now! 🌟💼 #CareerClarity #PassionPurpose #BelieveInYourself #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration

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Just a few tips if you are trying to persuade me to see your side of things (especially if I am still mulling things over and haven't made a decision yet)... 1. Don't accuse me of taking the other side just because I haven't come over to your way of thinking. 2. Don't engage in passive aggressive behavior with me. "Aaron, you are a really smart guy. It troubles me that you are even considering something other than what I think. I can't understand why you are even thinking that." (Yes, a synopsis of a couple of conversations.) 3. Don't yell at me. I will tune you out and send you away (or I will walk away). I am happy to talk with you. But if you think yelling at me is going to work, I have better things to do. 4. Don't try to guilt trip me into seeing your side of things. 5. Listen to my reasons and concerns (I mean really listen). If you think I am such a smart guy, maybe there is some validity to those concerns. There you go!

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I wrote this piece for Bloomberg Law about how attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion impact DEI professionals and what we can be doing to support these professionals during this time of upheaval. Thanks to Alison Lake, Jada Chin, Jessie Kamens, and Liam Quinn for their support.

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LinkedIn, do your thing! I am looking to connect with black, brown, or POC attorneys in these industries: Cybersecurity & data privacy law Entertainment law Healthcare law Technology law Corporate law Criminal law Labor law I am intending to go back to school and would your feedback to each question below 👇🏿 #blacklawyers #latinalawyers #SEasianlawyers #diversityinlaw #minorityattorneys #minoritylawyers #blackattorneys #BIPOClawyers #legaldiversity