DIVERSITY MATTERS AT THE ABA-
A GUIDE TO ABA DIVERSITY RESOURCES

Those of us in the legal profession share a common calling. We also must acknowledge that each one of us brings an individual background and perspective to our work. This diversity benefits the profession and the public we serve. Our challenge is to recognize that barriers still remain to the advancement of lawyers of color. In today's world, public confidence in our profession—and the justice system as a whole—is largely tied to whether law firms and the judicial system reflect the full diversity of our society.
The ABA strongly believes that the full participation of all racial and ethnic groups in the legal profession is a compelling interest. It preserves the legitimacy of our legal system, and safeguards the integrity of our democratic government.
Within these web pages the work by many of the ABA Sections, Divisions, Commissions and Committees reflect our Association's commitment to serve the public good, improve the administration of justice, and provide access and opportunities to those members of our society who are or have been denied an equal opportunity to compete.

Center for Racial and Ethnic Diversity ,coordinates and enhances the ABA’s diversity efforts. The Center is comprised of three racial and ethnic diversity entities:

• Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession addresses issues and provides resources on diversity in law firms and the legal profession.
• Council on Racial and Ethnic Justice works to develop partnerships between community groups, civil rights organizations, businesses and bar associations to eliminate racial and ethnic bias in the justice system.
• Presidential Advisory Council on Diversity in the Profession partners with other legal and educational organizations to address "pipeline" issues—increasing the number of students in the pipeline to law school and the legal profession.

Other ABA Diversity Resources

Commission on Women Seeks to secure the full and equal participation of women in the ABA, the legal profession and the justice system.
Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Through education efforts, policy development, building relationships with leaders in the profession, and other activities, the Commission seeks to secure equal treatment in the ABA, the legal profession and the justice system without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity, remove barriers to professional advancement, and promote diversity.
Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law Promotes the ABA's commitment to justice and the rule of law for persons with mental, physical and sensory disabilities, and their full and equal participation in the legal profession.