The Diversity for Success Seminar kicked off last night with a networking reception. The Seminar begins today with a discussion on "The Definition of Diversity: Is It Possible to Be Too Inclusive?" The presenter will challenge attendees to be mindful that diversity includes not only the differences but also the commonalities that exist among and between groups.
Attendees will then consider "Should Difference Be Treated Differently?" There is a continuing debate about the way to mentor, develop and promote diverse attorneys. Given the demands of today's marketplace where corporations are putting pressure upon firms to have diverse attorneys involved in their cases, the debate centers around the question of whether female and minority attorneys should be treated differently than their male and non-minority counterparts in case and trial assignments, mentoring, and business development/marketing efforts. Can law firms reflect that market reality in their own internal practices, and if so, do such actions volate the principle of equality.
The morning session will conclude with a presentation by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. The newly formed group consists of chief legal officers of Fortune 500 companies and large law firm managing partners. The group has been overseeing and studying a number of projects aimed to improve diversity in the legal profession and they will report on what they have learned from their study on diversity and what initiatives and actions can and should be taken to overcome today's challenges.
Many studies show that a more diverse and inclusive environment enhances creativity, innovation and problem solving; this means that diversity improves the future and prosperity of the enterprise as a whole. Is your firm or corporation up for the challenge?