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.

Breaking Barriers: Diversifying Access and Careers in the Law

The MBA Equality Committee hosted a panel in March at Portland State University entitled "Breaking Barriers: Diversifying Access and Careers in the Law."  This was part of the Equality Committee's charge of encouraging diversity in the legal profession by giving students interested in legal careers the opportunity to hear how lawyers chose law as a career, what hurdles they faced and how they overcame those hurdles. If you know of a school that would like to have a similar presentation, let us know. Panelists were (from left to right in the photo below) Ken Mitchell-Phillips, the Honorable Adrienne C. Nelson, Nathan Vasquez, Elisa Dozono and Moderator Eric Dahlin.

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.

Links and Useful Resources
MBA Equality Committee Charge

MBA Equality Committee Multnomah Lawyer articles

Upcoming Diversity Events Calendar from the Office of Multicultural Health Diversity Events

Upcoming Diversity Events Calendar from Colors of Influence

1998 Report on Gender Fairness in the Judicial System

2001 OSB, MBA and OWLS Convocation on Equality Manual

OSB Report on Access to the Courts by People with Disabilities

Minority Law Associations and Specialty Bars

Oregon Hispanic Bar Association

Oregon Minority Lawyers Association

Oregon Gay and Lesbian Law Association

Oregon Women Lawyers