Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Legal Profession

Why Attend?

• Learn about how DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs work and why they often fail
• Hear current real-world examples of law firms in Virginia actively running successful DEI programs
• Examine the relationship between successful DEI programs and both access to justice and Rule 1.1, competencies needed to practice law in Virginia
• Gather information about how the Virginia government currently handles the issue of diversity through its Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion legislatively mandated office headed by Martin Brown

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in 2024 is an important topic for lawyers in Virginia. This course meets the needs of lawyers to understand this field and to be able to represent clients who have DEI programs. Further, it will guide lawyers and law firms to develop and manage their own DEI programs for the betterment of their firms. DEI programs have the capacity when operated within the law and managed well to expand access to justice, as well as improve the quality and diversity of lawyers in Virginia.

This course is consistent with the unwavering commitment of the Virginia State Bar to DEI. It also will include a discussion of the work of the office of Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion (DOI) of the Virginia Department of Human Resources. This course will not delve into the politics of DEI and DOI, but rather will cover the substance of DEI/DOI as a key element of the legal profession in 2024 and beyond.

Materials include an up-to-date bibliography of articles that are included in the Virginia State Bar’s website, monthly magazine, and written by Virginia lawyers on DEI and more general resources.

Registration Deadlines:

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation/transfer requests will be honored until 5:00 p.m. the day preceding the seminar. You will, however, be charged $40 if you cancel or transfer your registration to a different seminar after the link to the materials has been e-mailed by Virginia CLE^®.

Full refunds or transfers are available up to two days after a webcast in the unlikely event that you experience technical difficulties.

Inclement Weather Policy and Updates.

MCLE Credit Caveat: The MCLE Board measures credits by the time you spend in attendance. If you enter a seminar late or leave it early, or both, you must reflect those adjustments accurately in the credits you report on your credit reporting form. A code will be given at the end of the seminar, which must be written on your MCLE form.

Can’t Attend?

E-mail distance_ed@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program is made available as an online or USB seminar.
E-mail publications@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program’s seminar materials are made available for sale.