Mission Statement
The objectives of the Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are to promote and advance the full and equal participation of attorneys of color and other diverse attorneys in the New York State Bar Association and in all sectors and at every level of the legal profession through research, education, fostering involvement and leadership development in NYSBA and other professional activities, and to promote knowledge of and respect for the profession in communities that historically have been excluded from the practice of law.
The Committee shall also foster the development of, monitor progress of and report on diversity initiatives of the Association, as well as partner with the Sections to continue to pursue enhanced diversity and inclusion in the Association, including among the leadership of the Association.
In conducting its work, the Committee shall consult with and engage Association leaders, other entities and individuals, including Sections of the New York State Bar Association, the New York State Conference of Bar Leaders, the Committee on Leadership Development, the Committee on Civil Rights, the Committee on Disability Rights, The Law, Youth & Citizenship Program, minority and women’s bar associations, and others with an interest in the Committee’s mission and activities.
January 21, 2022
Download the committee history here.
Committee Co-Chairs
Nihla F. Sikkander, Esq.
Dena M. DeFazio, Esq.
Online Community
Committee Roster
Resolution of the Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on the Bylaws provisions providing for diversity delegates and diversity members-at-large of the Executive Committee
Adopted by the House of Delegates on June 18, 2022
Diversity Report Cards
The New York State Bar Association is deeply committed to enhancing diversity at every level of participation within the association and the profession. Every two years, the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion prepares a diversity report card. This report card continues to highlight the need for raising the level of diversity awareness within the profession and increase opportunities for diverse attorneys to serve in Association leadership positions.
Read the NYSBA Diversity Plan
- 2021 Report Card
- 2017 Report Card
- 2015 Report Card
- 2013 Report Card
- 2011 Report Card
- 2009 Report Card
- 2007 Report Card
Resolution of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion on Civility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the Association, the Legal Profession, and Society at Large
Adopted by the House of Delegates on November 2, 2019
Awards
Recent Programs and Events
Resources in support of the AAPI Community
Legal Developments in Transgender Rights
The 2017 Constance Baker Motley Symposium
A panel of past Diversity Trailblazer Awardees held a discussion on the progress of achieving diversity within the legal profession
An Examination of Judicial Diversity in New York State
The Committees on Civil Rights and Diversity & Inclusion sponsored this program during The New York State Bar Association’s 139th Annual Meeting. Whether you are a criminal defense attorney, judge, law school clinician, legal services attorney or the managing partner of a major law firm, implicit bias affects you every day. This program demonstrated implicit or unconscious bias so all lawyers understand how it impacts our work. A few specific views of bias in our profession were explored: Are law schools preparing lawyers who have awareness of the impact of bias? How can implicit bias affect setting bail or jury deliberations? When do we see implicit bias in the courtroom? How can we overcome the impact of bias in law firm employment determinations including promotion and partnership?
AN EXAMINATION OF JUDICIAL DIVERSITY IN NEW YORK STATE
JUSTICE, RACE AND POLICE FORCE – GOING BEYOND FERGUSON AND GARNER
Stride Newsletter Archives
- Volume 3, Number 1 | June 2015
- Volume 2, Number 1 | June 2014
- Volume 1, Number 2 | September 2013
- Volume 1, Number 1 | April 2013
Youth Law Day Resources
EVENT TIMELINE
A planning timeline from 9 months prior to day of to post-event follow-up
EVENT CHECKLIST
What to assemble for student registration, teacher packets, speaker and presenter needs
DRAFT AGENDA
Timed agenda for planning purposes
SAMPLE BUDGET
Items to consider as expenses
SAMPLE EMAIL INVITATION
Invitation to a teacher to participate
SCHOOL PROMOTIONAL FLYER
Can be sent to schools and used by teachers to request permission from administrators
LAW SCHOOL OUTREACH LETTER
Letter seeking participation and/or donation of giveaways and materials
SAMPLE PROGRAM COVER
Cover used by NYSBA
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