Conclaves on Diversity In The Legal Profession

For the last three years, the LSBA has convened a Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession. The LSBA chose to host a "conclave" rather than a "meeting" because a conclave signifies "an assembly or gathering, especially one that has special authority, power, or influence." See dictionary.com. The purpose of the conclave is to encourage discussion among judges and attorneys, primarily hiring and managing attorneys within law firms and law departments, about the importance of diversity within the legal profession and how to improve diversity within the profession in Louisiana. The LSBA has hosted the conclaves with the Louisiana Supreme Court and several local and specialty bar associations.

The first conclave, "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, Making Cents" on March 7, 2008, began a discussion among 120 attorneys regarding racial, ethnic, gender, and generational diversity. The highly credentialed speakers provoked discussions regarding the importance of diversity, educated on ways to improve diversity, and exposed how internal personal and organizational biases impede diversity.

Held March 13, 2009, the second annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession: "Continuing the Conversation" continued the diversity discussion. The second Conclave did not simply regurgitate information provided during the first program. The program was more interactive and allowed the participants to gain skills to address everyday diversity issues in their practices during a three-hour workshop. After a networking lunch, participants received practical information from two groups of panelists.

The LSBA held its third annual Conclave on Diversity, titled "The Professional Workplace: Diagnosing the Issues and Finding the Cure," on March 5, 2010, for an audience of approximately 170 participants. This Conclave was even more interactive and a three-hour morning workshop helped to make participants culturally aware and skillful in cross-cultural situations. Lt. General Russel L. Honoré, USA (Ret.), the keynote lunch speaker, mesmerized participants with the impact of diversity on Louisiana history and children. The program culminated with two practical panel discussions that allowed participants to examine the use of cultural competence tools in every day legal practice.

On March 18, 2011, during the fourth annual conclave themed The Professional Workplace: Implementing Solutions and Cultivating an Inclusive Atmosphere, the LSBA presented an all-day 7.08 CLE for approximately 196 participants. Hon. Wendell Griffen (Ret.) and Manny Brandt facilitated exercises during a three-hour that allowed the group to dissect an actual child custody case, involving a bi-racial couple, which addressed several cultural competency issues and demonstrated how these issues impact the profession and the administration of justice. Marc H. Morial (President and CEO of The National Urban League), who was the keynote speaker during the networking lunch, informed participants of the impact of diversity on his life, the practice of law in Louisiana, and the impact that the 2011 census will have on diversity in the state of Louisiana. The afternoon panel discussions addressed hot button topics (such as race, gender, religion, sexual orientation and disability) that impact the professionalism of attorneys, office dynamics, and the ability to attract and keep clients and discussed how the lack of diversity initiatives can impact an organization's productivity and financial health.

The next Conclave, scheduled for March, 2012, will build upon the conversations that have already occurred.