praCtiCiNgwitHDeigLasses
Diversity , Equity & Inclusion Committee
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we work to create a more diverse , equitable , and inclusive legal profession . Meaning , we need to slip on our DEI glasses now in order to navigate the DEI landscape thoughtfully , conscientiously , and intentionally . so , how do we put on DEI glasses ? We put on DEI glasses by considering the statistics shaping DEI issues and initiating thoughtful conversations about DEI efforts within our organizations . one study of leaders working towards greater DEI metrics noted that leaders “ are often hesitant to discuss race , gender , ethnicity or sexual orientation … because they are not confident they have the skills needed to communicate properly about this information in a multicultural environment .” 1 What overcomes this hesitancy ? Education on DEI issues and accompanying statistics . Understanding current statistics which indicate inequity in the legal profession will prompt us to initiate thoughtful discussion regarding DEI topics and suggest steps our individual organizations can take to be more DEI centric .
For example , the national Association of Law Placement ’ s 2020 Report on Diversity in U . S . Law Firms reported that women and people of color continued to make incremental progress in representation at major U . s . law firms — growing less than 1 % between 2019 and 2020 . 2 With this knowledge , we could actively seek out opportunities to mentor diverse new ( er ) lawyers or to make
diverse hires in our organization — confident that our efforts are statistically informed .
In so doing , we will be practicing with a DEI glasses that set an example for others in the legal community and communicates our commitment to an inclusive legal profession . This Bar year , may we all practice with DEI glasses as we work to achieve a more diverse , equitable , and inclusive legal profession . n
1
Equity in the Ctr ., Awake to Woke to Work : Building a race Equity Culture ( 2018 ).
2 representation of Women and People of Color in U . s . Law Firms in 2020 , nALP ( June 2021 ).
Author : Alexis Dion Deveaux – Gunster
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