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Diversity / Inclusion

Mission

To increase diversity and inclusion in The Florida Bar, to develop opportunities for community involvement, and to make leadership roles within the profession and The Florida Bar accessible to all attorneys, including those who are racially, ethnically and culturally diverse, women, members of the LGBTQ community and persons with disabilities.

  • Diversity Home

  • Diversity Resources

  • Diversity Leadership Grants

  • Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Chapter Session Chats

The Reality of Grit vs. Agility: Delving Into Emotional Reality and the Tools to Harness Anxiety

A free CLE webinar based on the book “Emotional Agility” by Susan David. Recorded Oct. 3, 2023 and presented by The Florida Bar Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

History

Following recommendations from the Program Evaluation Committee, in 2010 The Florida Bar created the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

The Board of Governors approved the 12 recommendations, including adopting a definition of diversity, transferring functions of the Member Outreach Committee to the new committee, and creating a Florida Bar diversity grant program for local bars.

Get Involved with the Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Path to Unity Luncheon, held Jan. 26, 2023

Definition of Diversity

The term “diversity” has a dynamic meaning that changes as the demographics of Floridians change. Apart from differences in race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, and geography, to mention a few, the public and our profession will experience changes in thought, culture, and beliefs. These demographics are constantly in flux. Defining “diversity” based on current differences would limit its application to future changes, and likewise restrict or limit The Florida Bar’s consideration of and response to such changes.

–The Florida Bar Board of Governors, May 2010


Commitment to Promoting Diversity

The Florida Bar is fully committed to the enhancement of diversity within the Bar, the legal profession, legal education, and in the justice system, and affirms its commitment toward a diverse and inclusive environment with equal access and equal opportunity for all.

–The Florida Bar Board of Governors, May 2010


The Florida Bar President’s Special Task Force

Florida Bar President Eugene Pettis appointed an 11-member task force in February 2014 to determine why diverse candidates were not applying for Judicial Nominating Commission appointment or for judgeships. The task force issued a report in May 2014.