NALP has a longstanding commitment to be an advocate for diversity in the legal profession and in our membership. The Diversity Section is for NALP members with a particular interest in or responsibility for advocating for diversity in legal education and legal employment. This section will serve as a resource for all NALP members on matters of diversity. Diversity directors and those focusing on diversity matters at law firms and law schools are encouraged to join their colleagues in this section.

Join Diversity Discussion List

2009-2010 Section Chair: Kisha Nunez, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, kcnunez@wlrk.com

February 2010 Board Report (PDF)

November 2009 Board Report (PDF)

July 2009 Board Report (PDF)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference/Bulletin Article Planning
Brainstorm with Section membership to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2010 Annual Education Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico and topics for Bulletin articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Vice-Chairs: Nicole Horne-White (conference), Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP & Melanie Priddy (Bulletin articles), Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

Diversity Summit
Create a small work group of two-three members who will serve on the Diversity Summit Planning team. Vice-Chair: Rachel Simmonds-Watson, Debevoise & Plimpton

Diversity Leadership: The Retention/Inclusion Imperative
In today's global economy, a diverse work force is vital to building organizational strength. An often overlooked strategy for improving diversity is to tap into the wealth of knowledge and survival tactics of diverse leaders. This work group will seek to celebrate diverse leadership within our industry by interviewing diverse professionals and featuring their stories, challenges and victories for publication in the NALP Bulletin and other media. This group will also seek to highlight best retention and inclusion efforts particularly during a time of economic distress and investigate the creation of an informal NALP affinity group for diverse professionals. Vice-Chairs: Crystal Deazle, University of Pennsylvania Law School & Donna Harris, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals Collaboration
Develop initiatives and opportunities to collaborate with and support the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals. Consider an initiative related to retention of diverse professionals during the current economic downturn. Vice-Chair: Maja Hazell, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, LLP