Diversifying Your Law Practice

A lack of diversity in critical businesses and professions continues to be a major challenge that is costing the United States $23 trillion. The legal profession is having more struggles than many with a lack of diversity. Today, only about 5% of all attorneys are Black and about 10% of attorneys are from other minoritized populations. This lack of diversity goes beyond racial/ethnic diversity as only about 40% of practicing attorneys are women, which is over ten percentage points lower than the makeup of the U.S. If dramatic action is not implemented, it will take thirty years for the legal profession’s demographics to mirror that of the nation.

This webinar, led by thought leader Adam A. Smith, will provide attendees from the legal profession, business world, higher education, and educators of all levels an understanding of how to create diverse pathways into the legal profession for people of color and women of all racial backgrounds. These strategies involve first identifying the root causes of the lack of diversity and the benefits of a diverse practice beyond the socially motivated. Finally, our panel will identify high-impact actions and trends undertaken by practices that have been successful in building a diverse pipeline to the profession, while creating a space and place where diverse attorneys can thrive in their firms.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

• How to identify barriers to diversity in the industry and in your firm so that strategies and tactics can be put in place to ensure change.
• How diversifying your practice can lead to increased opportunities and clientele.
• Strategies for building diverse pipelines of potential law students through K–12 and undergraduate.
• Strategies for utilizing paid internship experiences to grow diverse associates and beyond.
• How to create a culture that attracts diverse talent and allows it to thrive once onboarded.
• How to go beyond racial and ethnic diversity to appreciate, attract, and make space for those with other diverse assets: neurodiverse, veterans, late career, etc.

Register at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3535066648938433038

Can’t attend? Register now, and you’ll be emailed a recording of the webinar, after the live session ends, to view at your convenience!

About Adam A. Smith:
Adam A. Smith is a first-generation college graduate who has dedicated his almost three-decade career to ensuring college access and success for all Americans. He currently works at the University of Kentucky as Executive Director of University Academic Advising and has a vibrant public speaking and educational consulting firm, Adam A. Smith & Associates. Smith has led coalitions and innovations that have had a dramatic impact on student success at Metropolitan State University (MN), the University of Alabama, the University of Akron City of Rockford (IL), and Rock Valley College.

Time of webinar is in Eastern Time (ET).