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Louisiana State Bar Association Diversity Statement
The LSBA is committed to diversity in its membership, Board of Governors, staff, House of Delegates, committees and all leadership positions. Diversity is an inclusive concept that encompasses race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation and disability.
The LSBA is a richer and more effective Association because of diversity, as it increases our strengths, capabilities and adaptability. In addition, a diverse group of talented legal professionals is important to the success of law firms, law departments, public service organizations and other organizations that include attorneys.
Through increased diversity, the LSBA and its members can bring more varied perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, talents and interests to the practice of law and the administration of justice.
Diversity — Inclusion — Professionalism
Latest News and Events
LSBA Diversity Conclave Breakout Session -- Specialized Professionalism Facilitator Training Workshop; May 22nd
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"Suit Up for the Future" High School Summer Legal Institute and Internship Program
The Louisiana State Bar Association and the Just the Beginning Foundation is presenting for the third year a "Suit Up for the Future" High School Summer Legal Institute and Internship Program. This program is available to rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in the legal profession. Students will participate in a three-week legal institute and internship from June 10, 2013 to June 28, 2013, at the Louisiana Bar Center (601 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA) as well as participating New Orleans area firms. The program consists of one week of lecture with law school professors, practicing lawyers, and law students as well as several days of shadowing with attorneys and judges in local law firms. Students also will have the opportunity to meet attorneys and judges during field trips to New Orleans area courts and other legal venues and during lunchtime lectures and panel discussions. The program will culminate in oral arguments by the student participants to actual federal and/or state judges.
Applications have already been accepted and this year's class will consist of 28 students.
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Huge Successes and Historic Firsts at the LSBA Sixth Annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession
The LSBA hosted its Sixth Annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession on March 8, 2013, at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge for a packed audience of approximately 250 people. This was the first time that the program was held outside of New Orleans. Although the venue changed, the great attendance and participation demonstrates that interest and energy surrounding this statewide diversity conversation did not. Also for the first time in LSBA history, the Conclave could be viewed by members of the LSBA via live stream, provided courtesy of the Southern University Law Center. This year's theme was "Leveraging Diversity Through Inclusion: Insights for Action." The luncheon keynote speaker, Morris Dees, who is the founder and chief trial attorney of the Southern Poverty Law Center, inspired the audience with his riveting accounts of many past and current civil rights cases. Renowned diversity expert, Verna Myers (Verna Myers Consulting Group, LLC), enlightened participants in an interactive workshop on inclusion and strategies for being more inclusive within their respective organizations.
More...
LSBA Institute of Inclusion Roundtable Discussion CLE -- UNMASKING THE TRUTH ABOUT DEPRESSION; Feb. 21st
The LSBA Institute of Inclusion will presented a professionalism CLE, titled "UNMASKING THE TRUTH ABOUT DEPRESSION: Breaking Stigma, Being Each Other’s Keepers, Restoring the Profession," on February 21, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Louisiana Bar Center (601 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA). J.E. “BUDDY” STOCKWELL, III (Executive Director, Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc.) provided general facts/statistics about depression in the legal profession. He facilitated an interactive discussion regarding the impact of depression on a lawyer’s practice and on the members of the firm/office; signs and behaviors that can alert family, friends, and co-workers that a lawyer is struggling with depression; what policies can be implemented to keep attorneys from falling to the point of no return; and what we can do to safeguard ourselves from depression. The program was approved for 1.5 CLE hours.
SUPERWOMEN…Female Attorneys CLE in New Orleans; May 2, 2013
The LSBA, in partnership with local and specialty bar associations, hosted a female attorneys CLE on May 2, 2013, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The co-hosts include the New Orleans Chapter of the Association for Women Attorneys, the Louisiana Association of Black Women Attorneys, and the New Orleans Bar Association Women's Committee. This seminar addressed the unique challenges women face in the legal profession. A networking reception with complimentary hand and neck massages followed the program and attendees had the opportunity to participate in a drawing to win several door prizes, including spa treatments and gift certificates to area businesses.
SUPERWOMEN…Female Attorneys CLE in Shreveport; April 2, 2013
The LSBA, in partnership with local and specialty bar associations, hosted a female attorneys CLE on April 2, 2013, in Shreveport, Louisiana. The co-hosts included the Women’s Section of the Shreveport Bar Association and the Louisiana Association of Black Women Attorneys. This seminar addressed the unique challenges women face in the legal profession. A networking reception followed the program and attendees received free chances for a drawing to win several door prizes, including spa treatments and gift certificates to area businesses.
National Bar Association 88th Annual Convention in 2013
Save the date for the National Bar Association's 2013 88th Annual Convention. It is scheduled from July 27, 2013 to Thursday, August 01, 2013, at the Fountainebleau Miami Hotel in Miami, Florida. Stay tuned for more information at http://www.nationalbar.org/meetings_and_events.
SETTING THE BAR: LSBA Pre-Law Conference; Mar. 2nd
The LSBA Diversity Committee and the Tulane and Loyola Black Law Student Associations hosted for about 42 college students from around the State a two day SETTING THE BAR: Louisiana State Bar Association Pre-Law Conference on February 16th and March 2nd. This workshop enlightened college students on the law school admissions process and provided helpful tips to effectively navigate that process and tackle the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).
View Program Agenda
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LSBA Human Rights Award Recipient for 2013 Will be announced Soon
The recipient of the Louisiana State Bar Association's Human Rights Award will be announced soon. The Award is designed to recognize outstanding efforts made by (1) a bar association, (2) a law firm or law department, (3) an individual attorney or judge, (4) a court, or (5) a community organization or individual in promoting diversity in the legal profession, in particular, to recognize efforts ensuring the full and equal opportunity of all persons for entry and advancement in Louisiana's legal profession. One diversity award, bearing the name of the "Louisiana State Bar Association Human Rights Award," will be awarded by the Association annually during its annual meeting in June 2013. The 2012 award was presented in San Destin, Florida on June 8, 2012 to the Kean Miller law firm. For more information on the 2013 Human Rights Award Submission and Nomination process, please contact Kelly McNeil Legier at Kelly.Legier@lsba.org.
2013 Nomination Form
2013 Nomination Guidelines
Women With Disabilities Web Cast Series Feb. - Aug, 2013
Magee-Womens Hospital and the UPMC Disabilities Resource Center will be hosting the Women with Disabilities Web Cast Series. The purpose of this series is to promote sensitivity and awareness toward issues that women with disabilities face in dealing with the health care system; and to educate providers, women with disabilities, caregivers, and advocacy groups of available services and resources.
More...
LSBA Institute of Inclusion Hosted Free Midyear Meeting CLE
The LSBA Institute of Inclusion hosted for nearly 50 attorneys from across the state a FREE professionalism CLE during the LSBA Midyear Meeting on January 17, 2013, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the New Orleans Marriott by the Convention Center. Speakers Dominic Gianna and Lisa Marcy educated and entertained the audience with "Advocacy for the Ages -- Cicero Speaks to the Genders and Generations." The program was approved for 2.5 CLE hours.
View Program Description
The LSBA is Developing Diversity/Inclusion Presenters to Present Workshops and Facilitate Discussions Statewide
Our profession needs venues to safely discuss topics that may be sensitive or even not-politically-correct so that we learn and grow as a profession and increase our ability to interact with each other appropriately and professionally, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, generation, lifestyle, or geography.
More...
Newly-Appointed Chief Judge Carl E. Stewart Presented with Red Robe Before Packed Audience
On January 9, 2013, the new Chief Judge of the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Honorable Carl E. Stewart, was presented with the traditional Chief Judge's “Red Robe” to a packed courthouse in the federal court building in Shreveport. Several Fifth Circuit judges as well as district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges from the Western, Eastern, and Middle District of Louisiana were present to congratulate Judge Stewart and share in the historic moment. Judge Stewart is the first African American judge to serve as chief judge for the Fifth Circuit. After an invocation by Dr. Donald R. Avery (Shreveport Superintendent, United Methodist Church) and remarks from Master of Ceremony William F. Kendig (president of the Shreveport Bar Association), Circuit Executive Gregory A. Nussel provided the history of the Fifth Circuit chief judges. Hon. Tom Stagg (U.S. Senior District Judge, Western District of Louisiana) shared the history of how the Red Robe tradition began and presented Judge Stewart with the Robe, which has been passed down to every Chief Judge since Judge Charles Clark. Judge Jacques L. Wiener, Jr. (U.S. Fifth Circuit) also provided remarks, and Mrs. Jo Ann Stewart honored her husband with a song, “Ordinary People.” In true Judge Stewart fashion, he addressed the audience with many remarks that opened with a warning that he would not be brief. Not only was the en banc courtroom near capacity, two overflow court rooms were filled with family, friends, and colleagues who were eager to share in the momentous occasion. A reception at the Shreveport Convention Center immediately followed the Ceremony.
LSBA Institute of Inclusion's "Waking the Sleeping Giants: Strategies for Managing Unconscious Bias " ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION CLE
Successful SUPERWOMEN...Female Attorneys Mastering the Game and the Strategies that Rule -- CLE in Baton Rouge
LSBA, the Baton Rouge Association for Women Attorneys, the Louisiana Association of Black Women Attorneys, and the Baton Rouge Bar Association hosted for about 90 women a successful half day, morning seminar designed especially for women by women to address the unique challenges women face in the legal profession. The program provided female attorneys many best practice tips for surviving the profession as well as professionalism, law practice management, and work/life strategies. The program occurred at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center.
View the Superwomen Program
Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession Urges Diversity as Ethical Obligation
IILP thinks that it is necessary not to lose sight of the most important: Diversity is the right thing to do. With that in mind, on September 14, 2012 IILP Chair Marc Firestone and ABA Illinois State Delegate Robert A.
More...
LSBA Institute of Inclusion's "What's Your --- ISM?" Roundtable Discussion CLE
The LSBA presented for 12 attorneys the "What's Your --- ISM?" Roundtable Discussion CLE on SEPTMEBER 26, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., featuring Franklin D. Beahm (Owner, Beahm & Green) and Ranie T. Thompson (Attorney, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services in New Orleans, Louisiana). This session explored obstacles that arise from communicating without a common language and expirience. The goals were (1) to help participants become more aware of the pervasiveness of prejudice/bias/isms in society; and (2) to distinguish between conscious prejudice and the unaware/subconscious prejudice that impacts judgement. For more information on future Roundtable discussions, contact Kelly McNeil Legier at kelly.legier@lsba.org.
Institute of Inclusion in the Legal Profession Hosting a "Measure of Success" Diversity Survey; Deadline to Respond is March 15, 2013
Institute of Inclusion in the Legal Profession (IILP) is hosting a "Measure of Success" diversity survey. In order to answer questions about the legal profession's diversity and inclusion goals, IILP is inviting everyone in the profession - lawyers, judges, law students, legal administrators, diversity professionals, bar association staff, law school faculty and administrators, etc. - to participate in the "Measure of Success" study. Please participate and, because it is important that EVERYONE's opinions are included, please encourage friends and colleagues - even those who may not typically be involved in diversity efforts - to participate as well.
Responses to the study are due by March 15, 2013. All responses are anonymous and completely confidential.
Access the study by clicking on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/H9Z9TMR.
LSBA Institute of Inclusion Roundtable Discussion -- "Chess vs. Checkers: Developing Strategies for Effective Work/Life Balance and Service to the Community"
The LSBA hosted for about 18 attorneys on November 28th 2012 at the Louisiana Bar Center a roundtable discussion that focused on the professional development of less-seasoned and new attorneys. Jade Russell provided advice on developing a professional strategic goal that would allow new attorneys to identify professional development opportunities, cultivate mentoring relationships, and improve work-life balance.
More...
LSBA Institute of Inclusion Roundtable Discussion -- "The Awful D-Word"
The LSBA Institute of Inclusion partnered with Carver, Darden, Koretzky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux, LLC to host for about 10 attorneys a Roundtable Discussion on "The Awful D-Word" on SEPTEMBER 18, 2012, from 12 noon - 1:00 p.m., at the Entergy Center Building.
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LSBA Hosted a Successful 2012 Disabilities Summit in Baton Rouge!!
The LSBA hosted for nearly 30 attorneys and judges its Second Annual LSBA Disabilities Summit, titled "Dawn of An Enabled Era: Unraveling the Myths of Attorneys with Disabilities," from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 11, 2012, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge.
Disabilities Summit Purpose Statement
Disabilities Summit Agenda
Successful 24th Annual Minority Job Fair at LSU in Baton Rouge
LSBA Minority Involvement Section hosted a successful 24th annual Minority Job Fair on August 18th at the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in Baton Rouge from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Share Your Experiences Anonymously For Use In Future Professionalism CLE Discussions
The Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) is developing a bank of hypotheticals/vignettes for use in future CLE discussions. The LSBA will facilitate interactive workshops and discussions that will evaluate actual race, age, ethnic, cultural, gender, sexual orientation, generational, and disability experiences of attorneys and judges. The LSBA hopes to generate frank discussion of the issues and delve into the hard, not-so-politically-correct conversations that we all must have to advance cultural competency and become more inclusive and professional. If you have experienced a cultural competency misstep or witnessed one, please consider submitting the scenarios to the LSBA for incorporation (anonymously) into future CLE discussions. You may submit your stories on the expandable form available at the link below. For more information, please contact Kelly McNeil Legier (504-619-0129; Kelly.Legier@lsba.org).
Institute of Inclusion Experiences Form
Job Opportunities for Diverse Candidates
Workplace Justice Project seeks bilingual attorney.
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Diverse CLE Speakers Needed!
The LSBA is committed to recruiting women and minority instructors for its many continuing legal education programs to promote equal participation of minorities and women in the legal profession.
The advantages of serving as a CLE speaker include:
If you are interested in participating, please complete the attached form and then fax or email it to Kelly McNeil Legier (fax 504-566-0930; Kelly.Legier@lsba.org). You also are encouraged to register with the ABA Minority and Women Speakers Bureau.
Download the Speaker Questionnaire
Diversity Committee Reports
2008-09 Diversity Report
2009-10 Diversity Report
2010-11 Diversity Report
Hot Topic Diversity Articles
Report -- New Report on Employment of Disabled Lawyers
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Participate in a new ABA complimentary service: The ABA Legal Expert Author Pool (LEAP)
The American Bar Association Center for Racial and Ethnic Diversity invites you to participate in a new complimentary service: The ABA Legal Expert Author Pool (LEAP). LEAP establishes and maintains a pool of diverse authors who have expertise in a wide range of legal topics. The LEAP project facilitates connections between these authors who have a willingness to write for periodicals and the publishing entities that have committed to the LEAP project. To complete an interest form, please click here. For more information, please contact Cie Armstead (312-988-6086; cie.armstead@americanbar.org).
View Brochure
2012 LSBA and JTBF Suit Up for the Future High School Summer Legal Institute and Internship Program
The Louisiana State Bar Association in partnership with the Just the Beginning Foundation has had another outstanding High School Summer Legal Institute and Internship Program.
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Volunteers Needed -- Become an LSBA Student Ambassador Outreach Volunteer
Remember when you were a kid and aspired to be a lawyer? Remember the people along the way who helped inspire and shape your career decisions? You too can be a source of inspiration for students in Louisiana.
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Attorney Volunteers Needed for Legal Clinic at Hispanic Resource Center
The Pro Bono Project has been running a legal clinic at the Hispanic Resource Center at 4312 Florida Avenue in Kenner. The clinic occurs on the second Saturday of odd-numbered months, from 10:00 a.m. - noon. The clinic is for civil legal problems only, no criminal and no torts, except in rare cases and sometime a tort defense. Most, though not all, of the attendees are Hispanic. The Pro Bono Project is looking look for lawyers to take cases pro bono. Interested people and those needing to obtain more information should contact Christopher Coty at CCoty@probono-no.org.
Download Registration Form
Road to Independence is published!
The American Bar Association's book, The Road to Independence: 101 Women's Journeys to Starting Their Own Law Firms, has just published and is now available for purchase online at http://www.ambar.org/RoadToIndependence.
Thank you for your interest in the ABA's book!
Record-Setting Fifth Annual Diversity Conclave Occurred March 2, 2012
The LSBA hosted for 275 attorneys and judges its successful fifth annual Diversity Conclave on March 2, 2012, at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street.
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Directory of LGBT Law Partners and LGBT-Owned Firms
The National LGBT Bar Association has compiled a directory of LGBT law partners and LGBT-owned law firms. Some of the most successful companies in the world understand the simple premise: employees with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, contacts and sensitivities are better positioned to meet corporate America's increasingly diverse needs. The inclusion of LGBT attorneys at the partner level can be a huge benefit in the eyes of diversity minded clients.
Go to the directory
ABA Commission on Disability Rights Seeking Mentors
The American Bar Association's Commission on Disability Rights is seeking lawyers who have disabilities themselves or have experience working with persons with disabilities to mentor prospective law students, current law students, and recent law school graduates with disabilities. Mentors are able to provide advice, guidance, and support to these students with disabilities. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a mentor, please contact Amy L. Allbright, J.D. at Amy.Allbright@americanbar.org.
For more information about the Mentor Program or to enroll online, visit the Commission's website.
Louisiana Diversity Council Membership and Partnership
The Louisiana Diversity Council seeks memberships and partnership from people and entities that consider diversity and inclusion priorities. The membership and sponsorship applications are at the links below.
LADC Membership Application
LADC Levels of Partnership
ACLU of Louisiana Needs Volunteers
The ACLU of Louisiana has requested assistance with legal research on the issue of prisoners access to legal representation. If anyone is willing to do a research memo on one or more of the topics listed in the attachment, please contact Sharonda Williams at shrwilliams@nola.gov, Direct Dial: 504-658-9920.
LSBA Diversity Conclave Breakout Session -- Specialized Professionalism Facilitator Training Workshop; May 22nd
The LSBA Institute of Inclusion will present a Specialized Professionalism Facilitator Training Workshop for CLE credit on May 22, 2013, at the Red Cross Board Room (2640 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cathy Harris (C. Harris Companies, Inc.) and Theodore A. Quant (Director, Twomey Center for Peace through Justice, Loyola University New Orleans) will deliver a full-day workshop, "Train the LSBA Diversity Facilitator." To register, please go to http://www.lsba.org/2007cle/seminardetail.asp?CLEID=447.
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"Suit Up for the Future" High School Summer Legal Institute and Internship Program
The Louisiana State Bar Association and the Just the Beginning Foundation is presenting for the third year a "Suit Up for the Future" High School Summer Legal Institute and Internship Program. This program is available to rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in the legal profession. Students will participate in a three-week legal institute and internship from June 10, 2013 to June 28, 2013, at the Louisiana Bar Center (601 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA) as well as participating New Orleans area firms. The program consists of one week of lecture with law school professors, practicing lawyers, and law students as well as several days of shadowing with attorneys and judges in local law firms. Students also will have the opportunity to meet attorneys and judges during field trips to New Orleans area courts and other legal venues and during lunchtime lectures and panel discussions. The program will culminate in oral arguments by the student participants to actual federal and/or state judges.
Applications have already been accepted and this year's class will consist of 28 students.
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Huge Successes and Historic Firsts at the LSBA Sixth Annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession
The LSBA hosted its Sixth Annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession on March 8, 2013, at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge for a packed audience of approximately 250 people. This was the first time that the program was held outside of New Orleans. Although the venue changed, the great attendance and participation demonstrates that interest and energy surrounding this statewide diversity conversation did not. Also for the first time in LSBA history, the Conclave could be viewed by members of the LSBA via live stream, provided courtesy of the Southern University Law Center. This year's theme was "Leveraging Diversity Through Inclusion: Insights for Action." The luncheon keynote speaker, Morris Dees, who is the founder and chief trial attorney of the Southern Poverty Law Center, inspired the audience with his riveting accounts of many past and current civil rights cases. Renowned diversity expert, Verna Myers (Verna Myers Consulting Group, LLC), enlightened participants in an interactive workshop on inclusion and strategies for being more inclusive within their respective organizations.
More...
LSBA Institute of Inclusion Roundtable Discussion CLE -- UNMASKING THE TRUTH ABOUT DEPRESSION; Feb. 21st
The LSBA Institute of Inclusion will presented a professionalism CLE, titled "UNMASKING THE TRUTH ABOUT DEPRESSION: Breaking Stigma, Being Each Other’s Keepers, Restoring the Profession," on February 21, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Louisiana Bar Center (601 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA). J.E. “BUDDY” STOCKWELL, III (Executive Director, Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc.) provided general facts/statistics about depression in the legal profession. He facilitated an interactive discussion regarding the impact of depression on a lawyer’s practice and on the members of the firm/office; signs and behaviors that can alert family, friends, and co-workers that a lawyer is struggling with depression; what policies can be implemented to keep attorneys from falling to the point of no return; and what we can do to safeguard ourselves from depression. The program was approved for 1.5 CLE hours.
SUPERWOMEN…Female Attorneys CLE in New Orleans; May 2, 2013
The LSBA, in partnership with local and specialty bar associations, hosted a female attorneys CLE on May 2, 2013, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The co-hosts include the New Orleans Chapter of the Association for Women Attorneys, the Louisiana Association of Black Women Attorneys, and the New Orleans Bar Association Women's Committee. This seminar addressed the unique challenges women face in the legal profession. A networking reception with complimentary hand and neck massages followed the program and attendees had the opportunity to participate in a drawing to win several door prizes, including spa treatments and gift certificates to area businesses.
SUPERWOMEN…Female Attorneys CLE in Shreveport; April 2, 2013
The LSBA, in partnership with local and specialty bar associations, hosted a female attorneys CLE on April 2, 2013, in Shreveport, Louisiana. The co-hosts included the Women’s Section of the Shreveport Bar Association and the Louisiana Association of Black Women Attorneys. This seminar addressed the unique challenges women face in the legal profession. A networking reception followed the program and attendees received free chances for a drawing to win several door prizes, including spa treatments and gift certificates to area businesses.
National Bar Association 88th Annual Convention in 2013
Save the date for the National Bar Association's 2013 88th Annual Convention. It is scheduled from July 27, 2013 to Thursday, August 01, 2013, at the Fountainebleau Miami Hotel in Miami, Florida. Stay tuned for more information at http://www.nationalbar.org/meetings_and_events.
SETTING THE BAR: LSBA Pre-Law Conference; Mar. 2nd
The LSBA Diversity Committee and the Tulane and Loyola Black Law Student Associations hosted for about 42 college students from around the State a two day SETTING THE BAR: Louisiana State Bar Association Pre-Law Conference on February 16th and March 2nd. This workshop enlightened college students on the law school admissions process and provided helpful tips to effectively navigate that process and tackle the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).
View Program Agenda
More...
LSBA Human Rights Award Recipient for 2013 Will be announced Soon
The recipient of the Louisiana State Bar Association's Human Rights Award will be announced soon. The Award is designed to recognize outstanding efforts made by (1) a bar association, (2) a law firm or law department, (3) an individual attorney or judge, (4) a court, or (5) a community organization or individual in promoting diversity in the legal profession, in particular, to recognize efforts ensuring the full and equal opportunity of all persons for entry and advancement in Louisiana's legal profession. One diversity award, bearing the name of the "Louisiana State Bar Association Human Rights Award," will be awarded by the Association annually during its annual meeting in June 2013. The 2012 award was presented in San Destin, Florida on June 8, 2012 to the Kean Miller law firm. For more information on the 2013 Human Rights Award Submission and Nomination process, please contact Kelly McNeil Legier at Kelly.Legier@lsba.org.
2013 Nomination Form
2013 Nomination Guidelines
Women With Disabilities Web Cast Series Feb. - Aug, 2013
Magee-Womens Hospital and the UPMC Disabilities Resource Center will be hosting the Women with Disabilities Web Cast Series. The purpose of this series is to promote sensitivity and awareness toward issues that women with disabilities face in dealing with the health care system; and to educate providers, women with disabilities, caregivers, and advocacy groups of available services and resources.
More...
LSBA Institute of Inclusion Hosted Free Midyear Meeting CLE
The LSBA Institute of Inclusion hosted for nearly 50 attorneys from across the state a FREE professionalism CLE during the LSBA Midyear Meeting on January 17, 2013, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the New Orleans Marriott by the Convention Center. Speakers Dominic Gianna and Lisa Marcy educated and entertained the audience with "Advocacy for the Ages -- Cicero Speaks to the Genders and Generations." The program was approved for 2.5 CLE hours.
View Program Description
The LSBA is Developing Diversity/Inclusion Presenters to Present Workshops and Facilitate Discussions Statewide
Our profession needs venues to safely discuss topics that may be sensitive or even not-politically-correct so that we learn and grow as a profession and increase our ability to interact with each other appropriately and professionally, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, generation, lifestyle, or geography.
More...
Newly-Appointed Chief Judge Carl E. Stewart Presented with Red Robe Before Packed Audience
On January 9, 2013, the new Chief Judge of the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Honorable Carl E. Stewart, was presented with the traditional Chief Judge's “Red Robe” to a packed courthouse in the federal court building in Shreveport. Several Fifth Circuit judges as well as district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges from the Western, Eastern, and Middle District of Louisiana were present to congratulate Judge Stewart and share in the historic moment. Judge Stewart is the first African American judge to serve as chief judge for the Fifth Circuit. After an invocation by Dr. Donald R. Avery (Shreveport Superintendent, United Methodist Church) and remarks from Master of Ceremony William F. Kendig (president of the Shreveport Bar Association), Circuit Executive Gregory A. Nussel provided the history of the Fifth Circuit chief judges. Hon. Tom Stagg (U.S. Senior District Judge, Western District of Louisiana) shared the history of how the Red Robe tradition began and presented Judge Stewart with the Robe, which has been passed down to every Chief Judge since Judge Charles Clark. Judge Jacques L. Wiener, Jr. (U.S. Fifth Circuit) also provided remarks, and Mrs. Jo Ann Stewart honored her husband with a song, “Ordinary People.” In true Judge Stewart fashion, he addressed the audience with many remarks that opened with a warning that he would not be brief. Not only was the en banc courtroom near capacity, two overflow court rooms were filled with family, friends, and colleagues who were eager to share in the momentous occasion. A reception at the Shreveport Convention Center immediately followed the Ceremony.
LSBA Institute of Inclusion's "Waking the Sleeping Giants: Strategies for Managing Unconscious Bias " ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION CLE
The LSBA Institute for Inclusion hosted for approximately 30 participants a "Waking the Sleeping Giants: Strategies for Managing Unconscious Bias " ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION CLE on December 19, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Louisiana Bar Center. For more information on future Roundtable discussions, contact Kelly McNeil Legier at kelly.legier@lsba.org.
The discussion focused on the impact that unconscious bias has on the administration of justice and the legal workplace, how actions, fact-finding, allocation of resources, and decision-making are affected by perceptions, assumptions, biases, values and stereotypes, and how conscious and unconscious actions affect co-workers and clients. Participants were exposed to modules to help them identify, share, and elicit in a non-threatening environment diversity of experiences. Further, participants received the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the mental models/frames of reference that cause prejudice. Participants also developed communication skills to minimize the effects of frames of reference on prejudice.
Successful SUPERWOMEN...Female Attorneys Mastering the Game and the Strategies that Rule -- CLE in Baton Rouge
LSBA, the Baton Rouge Association for Women Attorneys, the Louisiana Association of Black Women Attorneys, and the Baton Rouge Bar Association hosted for about 90 women a successful half day, morning seminar designed especially for women by women to address the unique challenges women face in the legal profession. The program provided female attorneys many best practice tips for surviving the profession as well as professionalism, law practice management, and work/life strategies. The program occurred at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center.
View the Superwomen Program
Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession Urges Diversity as Ethical Obligation
IILP thinks that it is necessary not to lose sight of the most important: Diversity is the right thing to do. With that in mind, on September 14, 2012 IILP Chair Marc Firestone and ABA Illinois State Delegate Robert A.
More...
LSBA Institute of Inclusion's "What's Your --- ISM?" Roundtable Discussion CLE
The LSBA presented for 12 attorneys the "What's Your --- ISM?" Roundtable Discussion CLE on SEPTMEBER 26, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., featuring Franklin D. Beahm (Owner, Beahm & Green) and Ranie T. Thompson (Attorney, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services in New Orleans, Louisiana). This session explored obstacles that arise from communicating without a common language and expirience. The goals were (1) to help participants become more aware of the pervasiveness of prejudice/bias/isms in society; and (2) to distinguish between conscious prejudice and the unaware/subconscious prejudice that impacts judgement. For more information on future Roundtable discussions, contact Kelly McNeil Legier at kelly.legier@lsba.org.
Institute of Inclusion in the Legal Profession Hosting a "Measure of Success" Diversity Survey; Deadline to Respond is March 15, 2013
Institute of Inclusion in the Legal Profession (IILP) is hosting a "Measure of Success" diversity survey. In order to answer questions about the legal profession's diversity and inclusion goals, IILP is inviting everyone in the profession - lawyers, judges, law students, legal administrators, diversity professionals, bar association staff, law school faculty and administrators, etc. - to participate in the "Measure of Success" study. Please participate and, because it is important that EVERYONE's opinions are included, please encourage friends and colleagues - even those who may not typically be involved in diversity efforts - to participate as well.
Responses to the study are due by March 15, 2013. All responses are anonymous and completely confidential.
Access the study by clicking on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/H9Z9TMR.
LSBA Institute of Inclusion Roundtable Discussion -- "Chess vs. Checkers: Developing Strategies for Effective Work/Life Balance and Service to the Community"
The LSBA hosted for about 18 attorneys on November 28th 2012 at the Louisiana Bar Center a roundtable discussion that focused on the professional development of less-seasoned and new attorneys. Jade Russell provided advice on developing a professional strategic goal that would allow new attorneys to identify professional development opportunities, cultivate mentoring relationships, and improve work-life balance.
More...
LSBA Institute of Inclusion Roundtable Discussion -- "The Awful D-Word"
The LSBA Institute of Inclusion partnered with Carver, Darden, Koretzky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux, LLC to host for about 10 attorneys a Roundtable Discussion on "The Awful D-Word" on SEPTEMBER 18, 2012, from 12 noon - 1:00 p.m., at the Entergy Center Building.
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LSBA Hosted a Successful 2012 Disabilities Summit in Baton Rouge!!
The LSBA hosted for nearly 30 attorneys and judges its Second Annual LSBA Disabilities Summit, titled "Dawn of An Enabled Era: Unraveling the Myths of Attorneys with Disabilities," from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 11, 2012, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge.
Disabilities Summit Purpose Statement
Disabilities Summit Agenda
Successful 24th Annual Minority Job Fair at LSU in Baton Rouge
LSBA Minority Involvement Section hosted a successful 24th annual Minority Job Fair on August 18th at the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in Baton Rouge from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Share Your Experiences Anonymously For Use In Future Professionalism CLE Discussions
The Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) is developing a bank of hypotheticals/vignettes for use in future CLE discussions. The LSBA will facilitate interactive workshops and discussions that will evaluate actual race, age, ethnic, cultural, gender, sexual orientation, generational, and disability experiences of attorneys and judges. The LSBA hopes to generate frank discussion of the issues and delve into the hard, not-so-politically-correct conversations that we all must have to advance cultural competency and become more inclusive and professional. If you have experienced a cultural competency misstep or witnessed one, please consider submitting the scenarios to the LSBA for incorporation (anonymously) into future CLE discussions. You may submit your stories on the expandable form available at the link below. For more information, please contact Kelly McNeil Legier (504-619-0129; Kelly.Legier@lsba.org).
Institute of Inclusion Experiences Form
Job Opportunities for Diverse Candidates
Workplace Justice Project seeks bilingual attorney.
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Diverse CLE Speakers Needed!
The LSBA is committed to recruiting women and minority instructors for its many continuing legal education programs to promote equal participation of minorities and women in the legal profession.
The advantages of serving as a CLE speaker include:
- Involvement in today's most important legal issues
- Interaction with other expert faculty
- Valuable networking opportunities
- Visibility as a speaker
- CLE teaching credit
If you are interested in participating, please complete the attached form and then fax or email it to Kelly McNeil Legier (fax 504-566-0930; Kelly.Legier@lsba.org). You also are encouraged to register with the ABA Minority and Women Speakers Bureau.
Download the Speaker Questionnaire
Diversity Committee Reports
2008-09 Diversity Report
2009-10 Diversity Report
2010-11 Diversity Report
Hot Topic Diversity Articles
Report -- New Report on Employment of Disabled Lawyers
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Participate in a new ABA complimentary service: The ABA Legal Expert Author Pool (LEAP)
The American Bar Association Center for Racial and Ethnic Diversity invites you to participate in a new complimentary service: The ABA Legal Expert Author Pool (LEAP). LEAP establishes and maintains a pool of diverse authors who have expertise in a wide range of legal topics. The LEAP project facilitates connections between these authors who have a willingness to write for periodicals and the publishing entities that have committed to the LEAP project. To complete an interest form, please click here. For more information, please contact Cie Armstead (312-988-6086; cie.armstead@americanbar.org).
View Brochure
2012 LSBA and JTBF Suit Up for the Future High School Summer Legal Institute and Internship Program
The Louisiana State Bar Association in partnership with the Just the Beginning Foundation has had another outstanding High School Summer Legal Institute and Internship Program.
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Volunteers Needed -- Become an LSBA Student Ambassador Outreach Volunteer
Remember when you were a kid and aspired to be a lawyer? Remember the people along the way who helped inspire and shape your career decisions? You too can be a source of inspiration for students in Louisiana.
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Attorney Volunteers Needed for Legal Clinic at Hispanic Resource Center
The Pro Bono Project has been running a legal clinic at the Hispanic Resource Center at 4312 Florida Avenue in Kenner. The clinic occurs on the second Saturday of odd-numbered months, from 10:00 a.m. - noon. The clinic is for civil legal problems only, no criminal and no torts, except in rare cases and sometime a tort defense. Most, though not all, of the attendees are Hispanic. The Pro Bono Project is looking look for lawyers to take cases pro bono. Interested people and those needing to obtain more information should contact Christopher Coty at CCoty@probono-no.org.
Download Registration Form
Road to Independence is published!
The American Bar Association's book, The Road to Independence: 101 Women's Journeys to Starting Their Own Law Firms, has just published and is now available for purchase online at http://www.ambar.org/RoadToIndependence.
Thank you for your interest in the ABA's book!
Record-Setting Fifth Annual Diversity Conclave Occurred March 2, 2012
The LSBA hosted for 275 attorneys and judges its successful fifth annual Diversity Conclave on March 2, 2012, at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street.
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Directory of LGBT Law Partners and LGBT-Owned Firms
The National LGBT Bar Association has compiled a directory of LGBT law partners and LGBT-owned law firms. Some of the most successful companies in the world understand the simple premise: employees with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, contacts and sensitivities are better positioned to meet corporate America's increasingly diverse needs. The inclusion of LGBT attorneys at the partner level can be a huge benefit in the eyes of diversity minded clients.
Go to the directory
ABA Commission on Disability Rights Seeking Mentors
The American Bar Association's Commission on Disability Rights is seeking lawyers who have disabilities themselves or have experience working with persons with disabilities to mentor prospective law students, current law students, and recent law school graduates with disabilities. Mentors are able to provide advice, guidance, and support to these students with disabilities. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a mentor, please contact Amy L. Allbright, J.D. at Amy.Allbright@americanbar.org.
For more information about the Mentor Program or to enroll online, visit the Commission's website.
Louisiana Diversity Council Membership and Partnership
The Louisiana Diversity Council seeks memberships and partnership from people and entities that consider diversity and inclusion priorities. The membership and sponsorship applications are at the links below.
LADC Membership Application
LADC Levels of Partnership
ACLU of Louisiana Needs Volunteers
The ACLU of Louisiana has requested assistance with legal research on the issue of prisoners access to legal representation. If anyone is willing to do a research memo on one or more of the topics listed in the attachment, please contact Sharonda Williams at shrwilliams@nola.gov, Direct Dial: 504-658-9920.