TLA's Racial Disparities in the Legal Profession -- Great Event and Great Way to Go Into Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

On January 13, 2021, Tufts Lawyers Association's Public Interest & Social Justice Committee planned a virtual webinar on Racial Disparities in the Legal Profession: Retaining, Advancing, and Developing Attorneys of Color.  The program with over 230 registrants was hosted by TLA board member, Andre Baynes, and included an amazing slate of speakers including:

• Hon. Eric Washington, A76, Senior Judge District of Columbia Court of Appeals 
• Lisa Radcliffe, J88, Deputy Chief Counsel, US Department of Homeland Security 
• Mitchell Robinson, A07, Baker & Hostetler LLP
• Koro Nuri, A93, International Finance Corporation 

The speakers talked about their varying experiences at Tufts to champion for change, diversity, equity, and inclusion. This included protests -- both on-campus and in the greater Boston community.  They discussed about the importance of sponsors in career development (looking out for sponsors and serving as a sponsor / ally for professional development.  All speakers talked about attorneys of color pursuing sponsors who understand them and work actively to develop their progression.

From a firm/corporate/governmental entity standpoint, the panel emphasized that it was essential for the intentional actions and plans to come from the top of the organization.  Diversity, equity, and inclusion should be a strong consideration at every level of an organization and be part of performance reviews/evaluations.  Accountability and reporting, although often a challenge, produces results.  

A key takeaway and call to action from the seminar was to engage in intentional and purposeful action to recruit, retain, advance, and develop attorneys of color in the legal profession.  That message to create a plan / mission statement was a great way for the TLA to enter into the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend.  

TLA and its Public Interest & Social Justice Committee will take on that challenge to create a plan to see what we can do as an organization to recruit, retain, advance, and develop attorneys of color who are Tufts students/alumni and in the greater legal community.  If you are interested in helping TLA develop this plan, reach out to Andre Baynes, Co-Chair Public Interest & Social Justice Committee and/or Tom Dunn, TLA President.  

If you were unable to attend the program on January 13th, don't worry -- it was recorded.  We will share the recording within the next few weeks.  Below are two screenshots from the program.  Thank you to our excellent host and speakers.  We are motivated to continue in TLA's programs, education, and conversations to confront and eliminate #racialdisparities.  

To learn more or get involved with the TLA, visit https://tuftslawyers.blogspot.com/ or contact Tom Dunn, TLA President, 401-490-3418, rtdunn@PierceAtwood.com.