Agenda Article Quotes Lauren Leyden on Weinstein Conviction’s Impact on Corporate Culture

Akin Gump labor and employment partner Lauren Leyden has been quoted in the Agenda article “MeToo Conviction Brings ‘Psychological’ Impact,” which looks at the impact that the conviction of Harvey Weinstein might have on corporate culture.

According to the article, corporate executives and their boards are working hard to update policies and procedures to make sure their companies do not foster an environment that enables misconduct. For some, the article notes, this has included improving training, updating policies related to nondisclosure agreements, increasing gender diversity and instituting contract representations pertaining to misconduct.

But the Weinstein conviction, Leyden said, brings with it a shift in the perceived scope of individual responsibility. It is the “subconscious” or “psychological” impact that certain allegations can result in criminal conviction, she noted, not just that someone loses their job, gives up severance or has trouble landing another role. It could lead to jail, she said. “I think that does change people’s perceptions.”

In her experience, Leyden continued, companies have not dismissed the circumstances involving Weinstein as an outlier because of the egregiousness of the allegations. There is a spectrum of conduct, but there is also a recognition that allegations that fall anywhere within that range pose a significant threat for a business, she said. The result, she added, is the dedication of time and capital from the boardroom to improve policies and ensure a plan is in place to react to credible allegations.