Diversity

Equality Act would afford federal protections to LGBTQ+ individuals, ABA president says

ABA President Bob Carlson sent a letter to the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday, urging members to support the Equality Act of 2019, which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity and sexual orientation. In the letter, Carlson explained that the legislation would include LGBTQ+ individuals in the…

Apr 2, 2019 4:04 PM CDT

BigLaw firm criticized for lack of diversity is now No. 1 for black lawyers, new report says

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison took a hit on social media in December when a partnership promotion photo appeared to show just one woman and 11 white men. Now, the firm is finding vindication in a recent report by the nonprofit Lawyers of Color.

Apr 2, 2019 1:14 PM CDT

This lawyer was so burned out she gave up practice and studied well-being; what’s her stress advice?

Paula Davis-Laack had a fast-paced commercial real estate practice before the recession hit. Davis-Laack was so busy that she would down a few peanuts for lunch and live off an adrenaline high, the Washington Post reports. She had frequent headaches, stomachaches and colds, but doctors found nothing wrong with her.…

Apr 2, 2019 7:00 AM CDT

Justice system helmed by black women serves community

In South Fulton, Georgia, black women account for the entirety of the municipal court staff. They bring a different perspective to implement innovative programming that can help ease often-strained community relationships.

Apr 1, 2019 2:05 AM CDT

Beating the odds, lawyer mentors at-risk youth

Charla Claypool, a member of the litigation department of Lewis Rice in St. Louis, notes her work mentoring and guiding youth, especially at-risk young women.

Apr 1, 2019 1:50 AM CDT

Margaret Cassidy founded a group to connect and boost female lawyers

Margaret Cassidy connected with other female attorneys in solo and small-firm practice in Washington, D.C., and brought them together to discuss their businesses, share successes and provide referrals. Now, more than six years later, her group, the League of Women Lawyers, has more than 100 members who communicate weekly via email and meet regularly for happy hours.

Apr 1, 2019 12:50 AM CDT

Black legal aid lawyer says officer detained him after mistaking him for suspect in court

Corrected: A black lawyer with the Maryland Legal Aid said he has started carrying his business card with him after a sheriff’s deputy at the courthouse mistook him for a client and detained him. Attorney Rashad James said he has filed a complaint with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office over…

Mar 27, 2019 10:07 AM CDT

Suit challenges mandatory membership in state bar because of immigrant support, diversity initiatives

Three Texas lawyers have filed a federal lawsuit claiming that mandatory membership in the State Bar of Texas violates their First Amendment right against coerced speech. The March 6 suit contends that the Texas bar is using the plaintiffs’ dues for ideological or political activities that go beyond its function…

Mar 12, 2019 10:20 AM CDT

Firm uses minorities as ‘diversity props’ to impress clients, suit alleges

A black associate has filed a lawsuit claiming that her North Carolina law firm uses minorities as “diversity props” to impress clients and also misrepresents its inclusiveness to potential employees. Sharika Robinson claims in her March 4 lawsuit that Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson in North Carolina maintained in its advertising…

Mar 6, 2019 11:35 AM CST

Former JAG Corps captain draws from history and sports for diversity advice

Kenneth Imo spent years playing college football for Southern Methodist University, working his way up in the U.S. Air Force and leading the charge for diversity in two international law firms. Imo mined his experiences for his book, Fix It: How History, Sports, and Education Can Inform Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Today.

Mar 6, 2019 7:05 AM CST

These 14 Black lawyers broke down barriers and made history (gallery)

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the heritage and triumphs of African American people from the past to the present. From abolitionists to modern social justice advocates, the list of African American trailblazers is extensive. As a tribute to Black History Month, the ABA Journal decided to…

Feb 21, 2019 11:22 AM CST

Leading advocate for diversity in legal industry hasn’t seen much progress in 10 years

In the 10 years since Emery K. Harlan, co-founder of the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms, was featured as an ABA Journal Legal Rebel, he says little has changed for diversity in the profession.

Feb 13, 2019 6:00 AM CST

California bar adds gender identity and sexual orientation questions to member survey

Updated: The State Bar of California is asking its members about their sexual orientation, gender identity and job satisfaction in an expanded online survey designed to advance diversity in the profession.

Feb 12, 2019 7:00 AM CST

170 top in-house lawyers warn they will direct their dollars to law firms promoting diversity

General counsels and chief legal officers at more than 170 companies have signed an open letter telling law firms they expect their lawyers to “reflect the diversity of the legal community and the companies and the customers we serve.” “We, as a group, will direct our substantial outside counsel spend…

Jan 28, 2019 12:22 PM CST

Law firm diversity is ‘good news/bad news story,’ says NALP executive director

The percentage of female associates in law firms now exceeds previous highs reached in 2009, but the same isn’t true for black associates. Women make up 45.91 percent of the associate ranks, while black representation among associates is 4.48 percent, according to a 2018 report on law firm diversity released…

Jan 9, 2019 2:43 PM CST