MBA Commitment to Diversity

The MBA Equality Committee works to promote equality in the profession and justice system and identifies ways in which the MBA can promote diversity in the practice of law.

MBA Statement of Diversity Principles

The MBA invites you to sign on to the Statement of Diversity Principles. The statement was adopted by the MBA Board in April 2009. It presents an opportunity for all legal employers - law firms big and small, governments, businesses, nonprofits and everyone else - to publicly acknowledge their commitment to developing the diversity of the legal community in Oregon. The statement is offered as a vehicle to continue and expand upon our conversation about diversity in the bar - diversity as an encompassing idea, important to all of us.

Sign the Pledge

Click here for a printable form. Please send a copy of your signed statement to the MBA. Click here to sign online.

Who has Signed the Pledge?

Click here to see who has signed the Statement of Diversity Principles

Thank You

Special thanks to Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt and Stoel Rives for their generous donations, which covered the printing and mailing costs of the statement.

2011 Convocation on Equality - November 4

The Convocation is a 10-year reunion event for the 2001 Convocation on Equality, which triggered the interest of many individuals and law firms to advance diversity within the Oregon State Bar. The original Convocation led to the creation of the OSB Diversity Section and strengthened support for OSB Affirmative Action programs.

The 2011 Convocation will celebrate the Oregon legal profession's diversity achievements and focus on providing:

Educational programs for attorneys seeking cultural competency training;
Tools and training for legal employers on how to increase diversity in the workplace;
Tools and training for diverse attorneys on how to advance their careers within the legal community; and
Information on how to participate in and support on-going diversity efforts.

The Convocation will offer panels, workshops, a ceremony to recognize lawyers who have made strides to advance diversity within the legal community, keynote addresses, Access to Justice CLEs, a networking/mentoring event for diverse students and attorneys, and tabling by legal and community organizations that support diversity work. More information may be found here.

MBA's First Thursday Joint Social with Specialty Bar Associations

On June 2, 2011, a First Thursday Joint Social with Specialty Bar Associations was co-hosted by the MBA and Ater Wynne along with state and local bar associations that support and celebrate the contributions of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The co-sponsoring organizations were: the National Lawyers Guild, the OSB Diversity Section, the Oregon New Lawyers Division (ONLD), OGALLA - The LGBT Bar Association of Oregon and Oregon Women Lawyers (OWLS). Attendees of the social were treated to drinks and light finger foods before heading out into the Pearl district to enjoy the art galleries. Here are a few photos from the event.

Message from Oregon Supreme Court Justice Paul J. De Muniz

Oregon is a diverse state--more diverse than some people across the country think. Having grown up in Northeast Portland, I was able to experience first hand the benefits of living in a diverse community. I count myself as lucky to have had that opportunity, and I draw on those experiences regularly.

Today, of course, Oregon is more diverse than ever, and so is Multnomah County. We are fortunate in this state to have a judicial system and an integrated state bar that are committed to maximizing the potential that comes from having so many people with richly divergent backgrounds and experiences. And we are fortunate to have in the Multnomah Bar Association a progressive group of lawyers who come together not only for the betterment of the legal establishment in which its lawyer members serve, but also and more importantly to improve the whole of the communities in which they live. I applaud the work that the MBA has done, is doing, and I know will continue to do to promote diversity in our profession and equality in our society.