Diversity

‘The Originalism Trap’ author wants to see originalism dead, dead, dead

Originalism is the ascendant legal theory espoused by conservative legal thinkers, including the majority of U.S. Supreme Court justices. But far from being an objective framework for constitutional interpretation, says author and attorney Madiba K. Dennie, its true purpose is to achieve conservative political aims regardless of the historical record.

Jun 5, 2024 9:04 AM CDT

21 state AGs sign letter demanding changes to ABA diversity standard for law schools

The attorneys general of 21 states are urging the council for the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar to change a law school accreditation standard that encourages diversity in admissions and hiring.

Jun 5, 2024 9:00 AM CDT

Appeals court blocks Fearless Fund from awarding grants to Black women

A panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled Monday that an Atlanta-based venture capital firm should be temporarily blocked from issuing grants reserved for Black women-owned businesses, saying that doing so would likely discriminate against business owners of other races.

Jun 4, 2024 12:50 PM CDT

City sued for paying hundreds of Black residents $25,000 in reparations

Evanston, a Chicago suburb, has been credited with launching the country’s first government-funded reparations program for Black Americans. It has paid out nearly $5 million to 193 of the town’s Black residents over the past two years. But now a conservative advocacy group has filed a class-action lawsuit to kill the program, arguing that it discriminates against the suburb’s non-Black residents.

Jun 4, 2024 11:10 AM CDT

Judge cites ‘utter lack of specificity’ as he tosses suit alleging NYU law review favors minorities

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit Thursday alleging that the New York University School of Law illegally used racial and sexual preferences to select some members of its law review.

Jun 4, 2024 9:03 AM CDT

ABA’s fidelity to diversity is unyielding

In this new era, the American Bar Association stands firm: Our dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is unyielding. Our approach may change, but our goal does not. Because at its core, this is the lifeblood of our organization and our future. Our aim is not merely to adapt—it is to lead by example.

Jun 1, 2024 3:00 AM CDT

Michelle Behnke looks to build community and strengthen the ABA with new strategic plan

“There are moments I’m amazed that a kid from Wisconsin is in this position, but at the same time, the ABA is a home for everybody,” Michelle Behnke, the ABA president-elect nominee, says. “You don’t have to be from an elite law school and a big law firm to contribute, and that part is pretty amazing to me as well.”

Jun 1, 2024 12:40 AM CDT

Meet Jennifer Rosato Perea, who’ll lead ABA accreditation and legal ed as managing director

At the ABA, she will be the first woman and Latina in the managing director role.

May 29, 2024 2:40 PM CDT

Complaint targets ABA diversity programs; claims are ‘factually and legally incorrect,’ association says

A civil rights complaint filed Tuesday with the U.S. Department of Justice alleges that at least nine ABA diversity programs discriminate on the basis of race in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

May 23, 2024 9:35 AM CDT

What’s the key to community lawyering? Less lawyering and more community

On a two-week visit to Thailand with our program director to visit several True Costs Initiative grantee partners, including the Community Resource Centre Foundation, I learned that real community lawyering looks nothing like “traditional” lawyering, and it is precisely that characteristic that makes it such a potent tool for protecting environmental and human rights.

May 22, 2024 3:13 PM CDT

ASU Law, Diné College create pathway for Navajo law degrees

Aiming to increase the number of legal professionals practicing tribal law, the Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and Diné College are partnering to create a package of undergraduate and graduate law degrees focused on the Navajo Nation.

May 21, 2024 2:13 PM CDT

Biden has installed the most non-white judges of any president

In 3-1/2 years, President Biden has already installed more non-white federal judges than any president in history. His slate of judges is also majority female—another first.

May 20, 2024 10:00 AM CDT

California bar plans to expunge attorney discipline records under certain conditions

The State Bar of California's board of trustees approved a plan last week to expunge discipline records automatically for attorneys who have not been disbarred.

May 20, 2024 9:21 AM CDT

Lawyer writes children’s book based on her childhood in Nigeria

In March, Bunmi Emenanjo, an ethics and compliance lawyer, released her debut children’s book, I’ll See You in Ijebu. The book tells the story of a Catholic girl growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, who takes a trip to the rural town of Ijebu to celebrate Eid al-Adha with her Muslim extended family.

May 16, 2024 9:32 AM CDT

Straight, white female alleges BigLaw firm’s job ad for diversity program violated Title VII

King & Spalding is the latest law firm targeted for a diversity fellowship alleged to discriminate against white heterosexual candidates.

May 13, 2024 1:45 PM CDT