Introducing Lydia Taylor: New Voice, Same Mission
May 30, 2025At Southworth PC, we’ve always believed in showing up—early, often, and with purpose—for the federal employees who need us. Today, we’re proud to formally introduce someone who’s helped shape that mission from the beginning: Lydia Taylor, our co-owner and managing partner. While she won’t be posting here every day, her contributions are anything but behind-the-scenes.
Lydia brings a unique and urgent perspective to this space. With experience directing a major HR department in the public sector, she understands how federal policy decisions translate into real-world consequences for career staff. Her lens? Sharply focused on how Black federal employees—especially under recent political shifts—are being affected in ways that are often underreported and overlooked.
Why Her Voice Matters Now
Lydia has spent her career advocating for equitable treatment inside federal systems. In today’s climate, that work couldn’t be more critical. From the quiet dismantling of DEI hiring pipelines to the emergence of watch lists targeting Black professionals, Lydia will shine a light on uncomfortable truths—backed by HR expertise and a moral clarity that's rare in this field.
She’s particularly attentive to the decline in support for HBCU recruitment pipelines, replaced by hiring preferences from ideologically aligned institutions like certain conservative religious colleges. This shift affects not just opportunity, but morale, retention, and the future complexion of federal leadership.
If you’re a Black federal employee—or simply someone who believes that fairness in government service should be non-negotiable—her insight will be indispensable.
Mindful Leadership, Different Lanes
At Southworth PC, we lead in complementary ways. While I (Shaun Southworth) continue to focus on daily legal updates, litigation strategies, and mindfulness-based tools for navigating workplace adversity, Lydia will be offering deep dives into systemic bias, HR policy, and the lived experience of being Black in federal service. We don’t always say the same things—but we’re moving in the same direction: toward justice, dignity, and truth.
Where to Find Her
Lydia is carving her own path, posting on her own terms. You can follow her at fedlegalhelp.com/lydia, where she links to her TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram. She may not post every day, but when she does, it will matter.
If you’ve found value in our daily legal briefings, mindfulness content, or broader advocacy, consider it a personal favor—and a powerful act of solidarity—to welcome Lydia to your feed. She’s here to elevate hard conversations with grace and grit.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.