The Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals (ALFDP) and the American Bar Association (ABA) on June 27, 2023, co-hosted an industry-wide diversity discussion titled, “Performative Art vs. True Commitment: Stakeholders and Change Makers Using Diversity Data.” The program which featured multiple panels attracted more than 250 participants from corporations, law firms, and other industry constituents. This Summit follows their previously announced co-sponsorship and co-branding arrangement on future iterations of the ABA Model Diversity Survey this past fall. One of the goals of the groundbreaking program was to foster collaboration and drive tangible change within the legal industry by encouraging open and constructive conversations between in-house counsel and law ÿrm Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leaders. Notable attendees included representatives from U.S. Bank, Public Service Electric & Gas Co. (PSEG), Toyota Motor North America, and Xcel Energy. The wide range of topics included Partnering on DEI Strategies and Embedding DEI into Outside Counsel Relationships.
One of the program’s highlights was an exclusive preview of the enhanced ABA Model Diversity Survey with its client-specific supplement. This survey is a valuable resource that provides critical insights into the diverse landscape of law ÿrms and helps to identify areas for improvement. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the survey’s latest features which will be incorporated into the 2024 Survey, enhanced following a series of industry focus groups, feedback surveys, and discussions to better understand how the MDS can evolve to meet current demand. “We are thrilled to have collaborated with the American Bar Association to host this significant program,” said Karlie Ilaria Garcia, president of ALFDP. “By bringing together industry leaders, in-house counsel, and DEI experts, we fostered a space for thought-provoking discussions and helped to open a door for future constructive conversations between firms and their clients on we can work together to advance DEI in our respective organizations.
The success of the joint program reflects the dedication and commitment of both ALFDP and ABA in their pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Through events like this, they continue to make valuable contributions to the ongoing dialogue and work towards a more equitable and inclusive legal community. The Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals (ALFDP) is a national association of law firms dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. ALFDP promotes dialogue, education, and collaboration among its members to effectuate positive change.
For more information about ALFDP, please visit alfdp.com.