NALP has a longstanding commitment to be an advocate for diversity in the legal profession and in our membership. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Section is for NALP members with a particular interest in or responsibility for advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in legal education and legal employment. This section will serve as a resource for all NALP members on matters of diversity and inclusion. Work groups in this section include the LGBTQ+ Work Group (formerly known as the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Work Group) and a First-Generation Work Group. Diversity professionals and those focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion matters at law schools, law firms, and other legal employers are encouraged to join their colleagues in this section.

Join Section Group on NALPconnect

2025-26 Section Co-Chairs: Laké Laosebikan-Buggs, Elon University and LaNitra Webb, O'Melveny & Myers LLP

July 2025 Board Report (PDF)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference/ Bulletin+ Article and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with section members to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2026 Annual Education Conference and topics for Bulletin+ articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Brainstorm current topics and suggest at least 2 educational webinars, the webinars to be produced in a timely manner throughout the year and the topics being inclusive of all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Disability and Neurodiversity
This work group will explore and compile job search and professional development resources and initiatives to support law students and lawyers who are differently abled for a more inclusive and welcoming legal profession. This group will also continue the work of the Neurodiversity in the Legal Professional Task Force and focus on onboarding, supporting and retaining neurodivergent talent. Consider RFPs for the Annual Education Conference and/or additional programming (e.g., Bulletin articles, webinars, panel discussions, etc.).

Gender Non-Binary Inclusion
This work group will create resources and programing specific to supporting trans and non-binary students, lawyers, and legal professionals. Consider RFPs for the Annual Educational Conference and/or additional programming (e.g., Bulletin articles, webinars, panel discussions, etc.).

Native and Indigenous Peoples in the Legal Profession
Assist with the planning of Cutting Sign to the Legal Profession event hosted by The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, the University of Iowa College of Law, and the University of Washington School of Law annually in October.

LGBTQ+
Consider RFPs for the Annual Education Conference or ideas for the Diversity Summit or other diversity programming. Monitor policy and legislative changes impacting the LGBTQ+ community in order to educate members and share best practices in response to these changes.

Well-Being Champion
Identify specific well-being issues faced by the section and propose and institute well-being initiatives to address these issues. Participate as a member of the Well-Being Section.

2024-25 Section Co-Chairs: Jennifer Mencarini, Fox Rothschild LLP and LaNitra Webb, O'Melveny & Myers LLP

June 2024 Board Report (PDF)
November 2024 Board Report (PDF)
February 2025 Board Report (PDF)
March 2025 Board Report (PDF)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference/ Bulletin+ Article and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with section members to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2025 Annual Education Conference and topics for Bulletin+ articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Brainstorm current topics and suggest at least 2 educational webinars, the webinars to be produced in a timely manner throughout the year and the topics being inclusive of all aspects of diversity.

Disability and Neurodiversity
This work group will explore and compile job search and professional development resources and initiatives to support law students and lawyers who are differently abled for a more inclusive and welcoming legal profession. This group will also continue the work of the Neurodiversity in the Legal Professional Task Force and focus on onboarding, supporting and retaining neurodivergent talent. Consider RFPs for the Annual Education Conference and/or additional programming (e.g., Bulletin articles, webinars, panel discussions, etc.).

HBCU Pipeline Project
Continuing the work of the Member Advancement and Pipeline Development Task Force, this group will focus on engaging with HBCUs, including delivering a presentation to HBCU students and Career Services Administrators in the fall of 2024.

LGBTQ+
Work with NALP Director of Communications to review LGBTQ+ resources and information on NALP’s website and make suggestions for revisions and updates. Consider RFPs for the Annual Education Conference or ideas for the Diversity Summit or other diversity programming. Work with NALP’s liaison to the National LGBT Bar Association to facilitate NALP’s collaboration and participation in the National LGBT Bar Association Annual Career Fair and Conference (Lavender Law).

Gender Non-Binary Inclusion
Work toward normalizing gender fluidity within NALP’s membership. Educate members on issues of utmost importance to trans and non-binary individuals. Propose statements against attacks on non-binary and trans individuals for consideration by the Board. Lead effort on project on “professionalism” with an intersectional focus by putting together an educational video module on best practices surrounding the use of honorifics and pronouns.

Diversity Best Practices Guide Update
Update NALP’s Diversity Best Practices Guide to ensure it represents current industry practice and terminology.

Well-Being Champion
Identify specific well-being issues faced by the section and propose and institute well-being initiatives to address these issues. Participate as a member of the Well-Being Steering Committee.

2023-24 Section Co-Chairs: Jennifer Mencarini, Fox Rothschild LLP and Aisha Joseph, New York Law School

February 2024 Board Report (PDF)
November 2023 Board Report (PDF)
July 2023 Board Report (PDF)

2022-23 Section Co-Chairs: Erika Fadel, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and Jenny Li, Morrison Foerster

April 2023 Board Report (PDF)
February 2023 Board Report (PDF)
November 2022 Board Report (PDF)
July 2022 Board Report (PDF)

2021-22 Section Co-Chairs: Justine Lewis, Seyfarth Shaw LLP and Traci Sharpe, University of San Francisco School of Law

April 2022 Board Report (PDF)
February 2021 Board Report (PDF)
November 2021 Board Report (PDF)
  Legislative Monitoring October 2021
July 2021 Board Report (PDF)

2020-21 Section Chair: Alison Ashe-Card, Wake Forest University School of Law

April 2021 Board Report (PDF)
February 2021 Board Report (PDF)
November 2020 Board Report (PDF)
July 2020 Board Report (PDF)

2019-20 Section Chair: Lezlie Griffin, Tulane Law School

April 2020 Board Report (PDF)
February 2020 Board Report (PDF)
November 2019 Board Report (PDF)
July 2019 Board Report (PDF)

2018-19 Section Chair: Courtney Dredden Carter, Jenner & Block LLP

April 2019 Board Report (PDF)
February 2019 Board Report (PDF)
July 2018 Board Report (PDF)
November 2018 Board Report (PDF)

2017-18 Section Chair: Kia Scipio, Fish & Richardson, P.C.

April 2018 Board Report (PDF)
February 2018 Board Report (PDF)
November 2017 Board Report (PDF)
July 2017 Board Report (PDF)

2016-17 Section Chair: Karen Hester, Center for Legal Inclusiveness

April 2017 Board Report (PDF)
February 2017 Board Report (PDF)
November 2016 Board Report (PDF)
July 2016 Board Report (PDF)

2015-16 Section Chair: Kristine McKinney, Faegre Baker Daniels LLP

April 2016 Board Report (PDF)
February 2016 Board Report (PDF)
November 2015 Board Report (PDF)
July 2015 Board Report (PDF)

2014-15 Section Chair: Neil Dennis, Georgetown University Law Center

April 2015 Board Report (PDF)

February 2015 Board Report (PDF)

November 2014 Board Report (PDF)

July 2014 Board Report (PDF)

2013-14 Section Chair: Lori Lorenzo, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity

April 2014 Board Report (PDF)

February 2014 Board Report (PDF)

November 2013 Board Report (PDF)

July 2013 Board Report (PDF)

2012-2013 Section Chair: Melanie Priddy, Bingham McCutchen LLP

April 2013 Board Report (PDF)

February 2013 Board Report (PDF)

November 2012 Board Report (PDF)

July 2012 Board Report (PDF)

2011-2012 Section Chair: Demetria Johnson, Hogan Lovells, LLP

April 2012 Board Report (PDF)

February 2012 Board Report (PDF)

November 2011 Board Report (PDF)

July 2011 Board Report (PDF)

2011 Survey on Law Firm Diversity Committees (PDF)

2010-2011 Section Chair: Nicole Horne White, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

April 2011 Board Report (PDF)

February 2011 Board Report (PDF)

November 2010 Board Report (PDF)

July 2010 Board Report (PDF)

2009-2010 Section Chair: Kisha Nunez, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

April 2010 Board Report (PDF)

February 2010 Board Report (PDF)

November 2009 Board Report (PDF)

July 2009 Board Report (PDF)