The Maryland State Bar Association (“MSBA”) is committed to promoting and encouraging diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. Our strength and success as a profession is driven by our members, who represent a diverse array of characteristics and backgrounds. We must celebrate and foster this diversity because it shapes our perspectives, broadens our capabilities, and enhances our ability to serve our clients and our communities. In furtherance of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the MSBA established the Diversity and Inclusion Committee (the “Committee”).
The Committee is charged with executing this commitment in a manner that celebrates our differences and creates an environment in the MSBA in which all individuals are encouraged to join, thrive and lead the legal profession regardless of race, color, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other characteristic of identity.
The Committee creates, advances, and carries out diversity and inclusion initiatives within the MSBA and its various sections and committees. The Committee may partner with local and specialty bars to form diversity-related agendas to promote inclusion throughout the legal profession in Maryland. The Committee will also:
provide opportunities to celebrate firms and organizations that promote diversity and inclusion initiatives within their business objectives and practices;
monitor and report on diversity-related opportunities and challenges that concern the MSBA and the legal community in Maryland; and
seek to accomplish its objective through evidence-based issue identification, advocacy, member education, and engagement.
The Committee’s core objective is to foster and maintain a diverse and inclusive culture within the MSBA. In particular, the Committee works to promote, advance, and support the full and equal participation of professionals across all elements of identity within the MSBA and the legal profession. The Committee works to promote respect and understanding of all individuals, particularly those representing groups that have been historically subject to discrimination, exclusion, or underrepresentation.