Diversity Detroit Bar

DETROIT BAR ASSOCIATION COMMITMENT TO PROMOTE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION

We, members and directors of the Detroit Bar Association, play a critical role in ensuring that diversity and inclusion are core to our Association.

We have a responsibility to advocate for and foster a profession that welcomes all practitioners who are representative of the communities we serve.

We believe that diversity and inclusion must be considered when attracting, educating, training, retaining, mentoring, and promoting diverse attorneys to leadership positions within Michigan bar associations, firms, agencies, organizations, and the judiciary.

We believe that advancing diversity and inclusion raises the standard for our entire profession.

We encourage all our members to practice with and share the perspective of each’s “whole self”—race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, religion, age, veteran status, marital/parental/caregiver status, socioeconomic status, and all other characteristics that reflect their uniqueness—so that we can learn from one another.

We believe that partnerships with K-12 schools, colleges, and law schools are fundamental to establishing a pipeline that enhances diversity and inclusion within our profession. We are committed to attracting and encouraging diverse students to choose the practice of law—especially prospective first-generation lawyers.

We recognize that we are not experts but commit to being a resource and collaborating with law firms, legal departments, judicial offices, government agencies, or partner bar associations that seek to enhance their diversity and inclusion efforts.

Therefore, we commit to taking steps to act on these beliefs and to promote diversity and inclusion within the Detroit Bar Association and our profession.

Thank you to all who participated in the Detroit Bar Association 24 in ’24 Diversity & Inclusion Challenge
.

We had meaningful discussions on what we have learned, changes we can implement, and ways to celebrate our diversity. We encourage you to continue or start the Challenge and follow the link below to the Challenge PDF for ‘25. The 25 in ‘25 Challenge is a partnership between the Detroit Bar Association and Ingham County Bar Association.

Dear Members of the Detroit Bar Association:

Over recent months, we have witnessed the consequences of long-standing systemic racism. The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others have deeply saddened us and highlighted that these issues are systemic, ongoing, and unacceptable.

The Detroit Bar Association and Foundation stand in solidarity with organizations fighting to end systemic and explicit racism. We recognize our responsibility as members of the legal community to create a more diverse and inclusive environment capable of fighting injustice. In fall 2019, we took a significant step by establishing the Detroit Bar Association and Foundation’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

As stated in The Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion adopted by our Boards, we believe:

… advancing diversity and inclusion raises the bar for the entire profession. We encourage our members to practice with their “whole self”—race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, religion, age, veteran status, marital/parental/caregiver status, socioeconomic status, and other characteristics that bring unique perspective so we can learn from each other.

While our commitment to creating a more inclusive legal community is vital, we know this is just the beginning. We will work to connect with you and offer opportunities to combat inequality and injustice in the coming weeks and months.

In the meantime, we welcome your input. Overcoming racism requires diverse perspectives, commitment, and action from all members. Please share your ideas and how you wish to contribute by contacting us at dba.