NALP - National Association for Law Placement

Diversity Section

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

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)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference/ Bulletin+ Article and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with section members to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2024 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.

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).

Legislative Monitorin
Monitor federal and state legislation and litigation affecting immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, racial and gender equality, voting rights, affirmative action and any other developments that may impact employer or law school diversity initiatives. Provide updates to the NALP community through Bulletin+ articles, webinars, or NALPConnect.

Disability Inclusion
This work group will explore and compile job search and professional development resources and initiatives to support law students and lawyers with disabilities for a more inclusive and welcoming legal profession.

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.

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)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference/ Bulletin+ Article and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with section members to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2023 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 to be produced in a timely manner throughout the year being inclusive of all aspects of diversity.

LGBTQ+
Work with NALP Director of Communications and Member Engagement 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).

Legislative Monitoring
Monitor federal and state legislation and litigation affecting immigration, LGBTQ rights, racial and gender equality, voting rights, affirmative action and any other developments that may impact employer or law school diversity initiatives. Provide updates to the NALP community.

Recruitment Tools Evaluation
Continue collaborating with the Recruiting and JD Advisors Sections using the responses to the spring Assessment Tools Survey (circulated through NALPconnect) and the assessment tools questions included in the Survey of Legal Employers on 2020-21 Recruiting are reviewed. Develop an education guide about the use of assessment tools considering inclusion issues such as implicit bias, ADA, privacy concerns, and data ownership, and create a corresponding distribution plan.

Member Relations
Reach out to new members on a regular basis to welcome them to the section. Educate new and continuing members about ways to get involved. Prioritize contacting members from other sections and groups to encourage them to join.

Knowledge Management and Resource Implementation
Identify top resources relevant to the section and collaborate with NALP staff to explore location options for the compilation to provide easy access.

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. Keep track of anti-trans legislation & issue statement against attacks on non-binary & trans individuals. Lead effort on project on “professionalism” with an intersectional focus (see below) Put together an educational video module on best practices surrounding the use of honorifics and pronouns. Articles published by the Task Force can be used as a starting point.

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.

Communications, Social Media & Marketing
Develop at least four (quarterly) social media posts to present to the NALP staff. Conduct at least monthly member outreach on NALPconnect to update the membership about the work of the group including the sharing of possible resources identified by the KM vice-chairs.

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)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference/ Bulletin+ Article and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with section members to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2022 Annual Education Conference and topics for Bulletin+ articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Consider creating educational webinars and other programs throughout the year being inclusive of all aspects of diversity.

Affinity Groups and Mentoring
Explore the creation of affinity groups to support NALP members. Formulate a proposal for the structure of the affinity groups, their function and primary responsibilities. Consider mentoring as part of the affinity groups decision-making process.

Environmental Scanning
In addition to Legislative Monitoring, conduct environmental scanning and compile relevant articles and news on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Share a synopsis and links with the section on NALPconnect and/or through quarterly calls/communications.

Recruitment Tools Evaluation
Continue collaborating with the Recruiting and JD Advisors Sections after the responses to the spring Assessment Tools Survey (circulated through NALPconnect) and the assessment tools questions included in the Survey of Legal Employers on 2020-21 Recruiting are reviewed. Develop an education guide about the use of assessment tools considering inclusion issues such as implicit bias, ADA, privacy concerns, and data ownership, and create a corresponding distribution plan.

Section and Group Collaborations
Collaborate with the Judicial Clerkship Section about its data collection focused on federal and state court diversity and create a webinar or Bulletin+ article about the findings. Collaborate with the Task Force on Supporting Gender Non-Binary Individuals in the Legal Profession and brainstorm about joint programs or articles. Consider partnering with the new Well-Being Section for joint programs or articles.

Member Relations
Reach out to new members on a regular basis to welcome them to the section. Educate new and continuing members about ways to get involved. Consider contacting members from other sections and groups to encourage them to join.

Knowledge Management and Resource Implementation
Identify top resources relevant to the section and collaborate with the KM/RI Advisory Group to explore location options for the compilation to provide easy access. Ensure NALPconnect is used for section communications.

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)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference/ Bulletin Article / Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with Section membership to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2021 Annual Education Conference and topics for Bulletin articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Consider the production of educational webinars throughout the year. Please be mindful of all aspects of diversity, including first-gen, neurodiversity, and socioeconomic diversity.

Mentoring
Continue to provide mentoring matches within the DE&I Section as needed.

LGBTQ
Work with NALP Director of Communications and Member Engagement to review LGBTQ resources and information on NALP's website and make suggestions for revisions and updates. Consider RFPs for Annual Conference or ideas for Diversity Summit on gender identity and expression topics. Work with NALP's liaison to the National LGBT Bar Association (Gary Greener, UCLA Law School) to facilitate NALP's collaboration and participation in the National LGBT Bar Association Annual Career Fair and Conference (Lavender Law). Collaborate with the Task Force on Supporting Gender Non-Binary Individuals in the Legal Profession.

Legislative Monitoring
Monitor federal and state legislation and litigation affecting LGBTQ rights including the rights of transgender persons to serve in the military. Monitor other legislative and regulatory developments, including changes to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program, that might impact law firm or law school diversity initiatives. Provide updates to the NALP community.

Environmental Scanning
Conduct environmental scanning and compile relevant articles and news on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Share a synopsis and links with the section on NALPconnect and/or through quarterly calls/communications.

Recruitment Tools Evaluation
In collaboration with the Recruiting and JD Advisors Sections, identify and review emerging recruiting tools (i.e. personality assessments, psychometrics, Thine, Pymetrics). Consider creating an educational guide regarding such tools and spotting issues to be aware of, including implicit bias, ADA issues, privacy concerns, and data ownership.

Member Relations
Reach out to new and/or continuing members on a periodic basis to welcome them to the section and educate them about ways to get involved. Consider reaching out to additional members encouraging them to join the section.

Knowledge Management
Collaborate with the KM Advisory Group in helping to identify, review, and classify NALP information relevant to diversity, equity and inclusion to assist in more effective data searches.

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)

Work Groups:

Strategic Planning
Collect feedback and prepare a memorandum to the Board of Directors highlighting strategic goals for the Section and its subject matter and/or area of interest.

Annual Education Conference/ Bulletin Article / Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with Section membership to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2020 Annual Education Conference and topics for Bulletin articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Consider the production of educational webinars throughout the year.

Diversity Best Practices Guide
Continue the update the Legal Employer Guide to include updated examples and resources. Update Law School Guide to add a new section dedicated to inclusion of additional “non-traditional” groups (e.g., veterans, socio-economic status)

Mentoring
Continue to provide mentoring matches within the D&I Section as needed.

LGBTQ
Work with NALP Director of Communications and Member Engagement to review LGBTQ resources and information on NALP’s website and make suggestions for revisions and updates. Consider RFPs for Annual Conference or ideas for Diversity Summit on gender identity and expression topics. Work with NALP’s liaison to the National LGBT Bar Association (Gary Greener, UCLA Law School) to facilitate NALP’s collaboration and participation in the National LGBT Bar Association Annual Career Fair and Conference (Lavender Law).

First Generation College Graduates:
Collaborate with the JD Career Advisors Section regarding law students and entry-level lawyers who are first generation college graduates. Explore this identity as a factor of socioeconomic diversity. Consider RPFs for 2020 Annual Education Conference or ideas for Diversity Summit. Similarly consider relevant bulletin articles and/or potential webinars.

Legislative Monitoring
Monitor federal and state legislation and litigation affecting LGBTQ rights including the rights of transgender persons to serve in the military. Monitor other legislative and regulatory developments that might impact law firm or law school diversity initiatives. Provide updates to the NALP community.

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)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference/ Bulletin Article / Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with Section membership to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2019 Annual Education Conference and topics for Bulletin articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Consider the production of educational webinars throughout the year.

Mentoring
Continue to provide mentoring matches within the D&I Section as needed.

First Generation College Graduates
Collaborate with JD Career Advisors Section regarding law students and entry-level lawyers who are first generation college graduates. Explore this identity as a factor of socioeconomic diversity.

Legislative Monitoring
Monitor federal and state legislation and litigation affecting LGBTQ rights including the rights of transgendered persons to serve in the military. Monitor other legislative and regulatory developments that might impact law firm or law school diversity initiatives. Provide updates to the NALP community.

Diversity in Judicial Clerkships
Collaborate with Judicial Clerkship Section to study the presence of minority and diverse law school graduates in judicial clerkships and try to identify data. Aim to create a report that can be presented at 2019 Annual Education Conference or presented as a webinar or Bulletin article.

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