The Minorities in the Profession Committee hosted its second biennial Diversity and Inclusion Symposium virtually on December 11, 2020. The symposium was created to give minority attorneys a space to share experiences and be energized with new ideas on how to thrive in legal environments. The symposium also seeks to create a new lens for all attorneys and legal professionals to better understand diversity and inclusion issues and offers tools and strategies attendees can take back to their respective law firm, corporation, or organization.
This year’s speakers were dynamic leaders working in the field of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The discussions were incredibly thoughtful and provided attendees tools to move forward.
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MIP’s Diverse Perspectives is a monthly blog feature to spotlight a member from North Carolina’s community of diverse attorneys and legal professionals. Members have the opportunity to share a personal perspective through a brief set of interview questions.
This month’s perspective is courtesy of Tawanda Foster Artis, Senior Staff Attorney, NC General Assembly, Raleigh, N.C.
What law school did you attend and what was your graduation year?
UNC School of Law, 2004.
What inspired or prompted you to become an attorney?
A desire to help others.
Please describe a barrier or obstacle you have overcome in your professional career?
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The Minorities in the Profession (MIP) Committee recently hosted its annual Attorney-Student Networking Social on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Historically, this social is hosted by one of the North Carolina law schools and serves as MIP’s kickoff reception for the 2020-2021 bar year. The goal is to connect MIP members with one another and introduce diverse, future member law students to the Committee. This year’s event presented a unique challenge to organizers. How do you foster an organic, in-person networking event in a virtual setting? Fortunately, MIP Co-Chairs and event organizers, Jasmine McGhee and LaToya Powell, were up for the challenge!
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We are thrilled to announce the Minorities in the Profession (MIP) Committee’s second biennial Diversity and Inclusion Symposium. This free, virtual program will be held December 11, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. This Symposium is open to any attorney or legal professional interested in diversity and inclusion issues.
Reverend Jesse Jackson once said, “[i]nclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It’s the key to growth.” Regardless of one’s political leanings, or feelings toward Rev. Jackson for that matter, we cannot deny the truth of this statement. While MIP is dedicated to promoting an increase in the number of minority attorneys in the N.C. State Bar, it is also focused on creating an inclusive legal profession — an environment where all members feel heard and their experiences are valued and genuinely incorporated within a structure that may not have traditionally been so welcoming. Inclusivity impacts relationships between colleagues, attorney morale, and how effectively we serve our clients. We all have a part to play in creating and maintaining inclusive spaces. As a profession, as a nation, and as members of this global community, we have an obligation to educate ourselves and hold each other accountable when we fall short. The events of the past several months make this program timelier than ever and demonstrate why change is necessary and why the time is now. We are excited to build on the momentum in many firms and organizations across the nation who are auditing current programs and exploring new initiatives in this sphere.
One of the Minorities in the Profession Committee’s goals for this bar year is to continue to advance diversity and inclusion and racial equity efforts. One avenue to advance this goal is through recognizing diverse attorneys, legal professionals, and students for an award or recognition. The MIP Committee’s Awards/Recognitions and Blog Communications Subcommittee is charged with collating and communicating award/recognition opportunities. The Subcommittee encourages everyone to review these opportunities and nominate deserving diverse attorneys for an array of awards from organizations including the ABA, NCBA, and local county bar associations. For November and December, take the opportunity to nominate a diverse attorney who champions diversity and inclusion and embodies professionalism on a daily basis for one of the following awards. Read more
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The Minorities in the Profession Committee (MIP) is gearing up for another exciting year as one of the most active committees in the North Carolina Bar Association. This year will bring unique challenges for our members. Many of us are still adjusting to the “new normal” of living, working, and educating our children in a digital world due to a global pandemic. We’re also experiencing one of the largest social justice movements in modern history, which has deeply impacted attorneys of color and our allies. Recognizing these challenges, MIP remains more committed than ever to providing a safe, supportive space for our members.
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The word “change” has various definitions, but my favorite expression of change is “to shift; to undergo transformation or transition.” We can certainly say that “change” is inevitable in all aspects of our lives. Thus far in 2020 alone, we have witnessed how COVID-19 and other events have caused many of us to adjust when, how, and where we work and interact with others. Also, the NCBA has had to shift its 2020 Annual Meeting in Charlotte to an online, virtual program. But “change” presents us with an opportunity to reflect on and learn from our experiences and the experiences of others in order for each of us to evolve for the better.
Although we are unable to celebrate together at the Annual Meeting in Charlotte, and we are adjusting to the change by celebrating in other (virtual) ways, we are proud to announce our 2020 Legal Legends of Color honorees: Judge Yvonne Mims Evans, Senator Dan T. Blue Jr., Attorney Anthony Fox, Professor George R. Johnson Jr., and the late Attorney J. Kenneth Lee. In order to be named a Legal Legend of Color, such person must be (1) a lawyer of color practicing (or one who has practiced most recently) in North Carolina for at least 15 years, (2) have had a legal career with a significant impact in North Carolina, (3) have demonstrated a high level of service to his/her local community and/or on an statewide basis, and (4) be a member in good standing of the North Carolina State Bar (active or inactive). These five attorneys have more than satisfied the criteria for being named a Legal Legend of Color, and, further, they have all effected significant positive change in the North Carolina legal community and beyond. We are honored to share snippets of their distinguished careers with you:
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The Minorities in the Profession Committee’s 1L Summer Associate Program (1L SAP) held its Interview Day at Ward and Smith’s Raleigh office on Thursday, February 13. After a marathon day of interviews, eleven talented 1Ls were matched with participating firms and companies. Participating employers this year were Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP; Duke Energy Corporation; Jackson Lewis P.C.; K&L Gates LLP; Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company; Passport Labs, Inc.; Poyner Spruill LLP; Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, LLP; Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC; Ward and Smith, P.A.; and Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP. Click here for additional coverage and click here to access photos from the event.
On Saturday, March 21, 2020, the Minorities in the Profession Committee (“MIP”) of the North Carolina Bar Association will host the 6th Annual Minority Pre-Law Conference: “Putting the Pieces Together: Is Law School the Right Fit?” This year’s conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Duke University School of Law in Durham, North Carolina and will feature a keynote address from Duke Law alumnus and Durham County District Attorney, the Honorable Satana Deberry. The program is open to all minority middle school, high school, and college students, who are interested in attending law school. And, most importantly, it’s FREE!
What is the MIP Minority Pre-Law Conference?
The MIP Minority Pre-Law Conference is a program designed to empower minority students with the knowledge and tools necessary to successfully navigate the journey of becoming a lawyer. Despite the increasing focus on diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, law remains the least diverse profession in the nation. Students from underrepresented backgrounds may not have lawyers in their families or communities, which makes it difficult to see oneself as a lawyer. The lack of insight about the application process, LSAT, and financial aid also may deter some students. The Minority Pre-Law Conference provides students with valuable information, resources, and contacts to help them better understand their options and overcome these obstacles.
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Dear Members of the North Carolina Bar Association, We are honored and excited to serve as the co-chairs for the Minorities in the Profession (“MIP”) Committee for the 2019-2020 Bar Year.
This committee has a full and rich history in one of our state’s largest voluntary bar associations. Since 1987, MIP has worked to spotlight and eradicate discrimination and institutionalized racism in the legal profession, to expand opportunities for racially diverse attorneys and law students, and to educate the community at large. MIP’s focus on addressing issues unique to attorneys and other legal professionals of color and minority law students make it one of the most active and value added committees of the Bar Association. Our dedicated membership commits their time and talents to our projects and events each and every year. We thank you for your continued support of this committee and our endeavors.
We have established an ambitious schedule full of impactful programming and events for this year. Our calendar includes ¡Adelante! Moving Forward on November 2, 2019, the MIP Pre-Law Conference on March 21, 2020, the 1L Summer Associate Program in early 2020, the Diversity & Inclusion Summit on May 15, 2020, annual Legal Legend of Color Awards Reception during the Annual Meeting, as well as other networking events and pro bono programs. We also welcome the opportunity to partner with other Divisions, Sections, and Committees of the Bar Association and interested groups are encouraged to reach out to us at any time!
We know none of this would be possible without the help our invaluable committee members. We are grateful for the support of our members, our allies, the bar association leadership, and every member of the Bar Association. We look forward to seeing you all at an MIP event soon.
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By Jane Paksoy
