As long as the differences and diversities of mankind exist, democracy must allow for compromise, for accommodation, and for the recognition of differences.
-Eugene McCarthy
Today, the recruitment of minority attorneys continues to rise on the list of goals of major corporations and law firms. Why? Their diverse client pool has spoken. Lawyers are often powerful players in social, economic and political circles and as women and minorities become an increasing part of this profession, their ability to obtain public and private influence is increasing1. Today, clients not only want to be represented by the most qualified attorney, but they also want to represented by the most qualified attorney who reflects their own diversity.
Since 1975, the representation of women, African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans as professionals in larger Legal Service firms has increased substantially: Women increased from 14.4 percent in 1975 to 40.3 percent in 2002. African Americans from 2.3 percent to 4.4 percent. Hispanics from 0.7 percent to 2.9 percent. Asians from 0.5 percent to 5.3 percent2. Large, nationally known law firms generally have a higher proportion of women and minorities than other types of law firms. There is also less variation in the proportion of women and minorities among these large, nationally known law firms.3
The American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Minorities in the Profession Committee (MIPC) strives to promote and encourage the influence of minority attorneys in the ABA YLD and national legal community. This committee will accomplish this goal by organizing and co-sponsoring programs featuring minority speakers at each conference, providing mentorship, participating in more community outreach to minority bar associations, and playing an active role in YLD leadership.
The stong and dedicated leadership of ABA YLD leadership presents this Committee with an important opportunity to influence and educate the entire YLD membership. The success of this Committee is contingent on the entire YLD membership's support and participation. If you are interested in participating on this Committee and sharing your ideas, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Thank You and I look forward to YLD having a great year!
Chauntis T. Jenkins, Esq.
Minorities in the Profession Chair
Porteous, Hainkel & Johnson, L.L.P.
704 Carondelet Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 581-3838
cjenkins@phjlaw.com
