Diversity 

Diversity isn’t just a “buzz word” we use at the SDCBA – it’s part of the very fabric of our association. Initiatives that support inclusion are a significant part of the Association’s work and mission, and throughout the years, we’ve continued to provide, build upon and support diversity in the legal profession . We are committed to promoting inclusion in every aspect of our association and creating a more inclusive legal community by our:

1. MISSION STATEMENT & CORE VALUES:   Creating the standard for our commitment to inclusivity by including this core value in the very heart of our mission statement;
2. LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:  Providing leadership opportunities where minority and underrepresented lawyers are encouraged to participate and lead;
3. PROGRAMMING & EDUCATION:  Providing education and awareness to the public and the legal community on diversity related issues, including our Annual Dialogue on Diversity reception, and our national award-winning Diversity Fellowship Program for first year law students;
4. DIVERSITY PLEDGE: Creating a guideline and standard for local law firms and corporate legal departments in promoting diversity in the hiring, retention, and advancement of attorneys; and
5. SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL DIVERSITY BARS:  We support our local diversity bars and champion their efforts, including co-producing and sponsoring their programs and events in the local community.

Diversity Fellowship Program

The San Diego County Bar Association and Association of Corporate Counsel-San Diego Diversity Fellowship Program (Program) was created in response to the low number of diverse attorneys practicing law in San Diego County law firms and corporate legal departments. The Program provides an opportunity for diverse, first year law students to learn and develop skills necessary to be successful in law firm and corporate legal department environments and exposes law firms and corporate legal departments to qualified individuals who might not otherwise be considered. For more information on the Diversity Fellowship Program, click here.

Diversity Pledge

The SDCBA created a Diversity Pledge in 2007, to serve as a guideline for fostering diversity within the legal profession in San Diego. The Diversity Pledge was created to re-focus efforts within the legal profession on promoting diversity in the hiring, retention and advancement of attorneys within law firms an corporate legal departments and emphasizing diversity in leadership positions. Although the Diversity Pledge includes a detailed list of diversity goals and practices for organizations to consider, it is meant to serve as a guideline and is completely voluntary. For a list of those who have signed the Diversity Pledge Signatories please see the column on the right.

To read the SDCBA Diversity Pledge in its entirety, click here.
To become a Diversity Pledge Signatory, sign and return this form

Dialogue on Diversity

The SDCBA's Dialogue on Diversity program offers attendees the chance to hear from some of the industry's leaders while earning CLE credit and networking.

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