On The Horizon: The Young Lawyers Division’s Upcoming DEI Programming

By Taylor Gibbs and Tia Overway

Hi everyone!

As we step into December, Tia and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the DEI Committee’s first event: Bridging the Gap: Wisdom from the Bench and Bar. The panel featured an incredible range of legal professionals who provided great advice on how young lawyers can successfully transition into their careers. We are grateful to all who joined us and look forward to the many events we have planned in the future.

Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for January 19, 2026, for a fun volunteer day in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We are actively planning volunteer opportunities at food service organizations in Raleigh and Winston-Salem to support our communities during these times of need.

• Raleigh: The YLD will partner with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina at the Main Distribution Center from 1 to 3 p.m. If you are interested in participating, please sign up at this link. After following the link, click the “Sign Up” button next to the 1 to 3 p.m. shift, then follow the website’s prompts to create a new account or log in to an existing account and register. Registration through this link is required before volunteering, so it is essential that you use the link provided. Registration closes on January 11, 2026. Please don’t delay — only 14 spots are available.

In addition to our committee’s volunteer events, we want to highlight the 19th Annual MLK Meal Packing Event, hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Durham, North Raleigh, Clayton, and Chapel Hill, which will also take place on January 19, 2026. This event brings together volunteers to lead, pack meals, welcome participants, and assist with setup and cleanup. While our committee is not directly collaborating with this project, we are excited to spotlight this wonderful community initiative for anyone looking to participate in additional service on MLK Jr. Day.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Today, we also want to take a moment to recognize that December 2 was the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Established by the United Nations, this day celebrates all individuals with disabilities, whether visible or invisible. In the legal profession, it is important to acknowledge the presence of lawyers with disabilities and work toward a more inclusive environment.

Despite ongoing efforts, attorneys with disabilities continue to be significantly underrepresented and underreported in the legal community. North Carolina’s Demographic Distribution Report does not currently track disability status, recording only gender, age, race and ethnicity. Nationally, the ABA’s 2024 Profile of the Legal Profession also notes the absence of reliable data regarding the number of lawyers who identify as having a disability. For example, the 2024 Report from the National Association for Law Placement estimates that fewer than 2% of attorneys report having a disability while acknowledging that reporting remains limited. However, even if the numbers are incomplete, legal professionals with disabilities remain as great members of our legal community.

As a brief spotlight, I want to share my own experience. As an attorney who is autistic, I can personally affirm that disability does not diminish one’s ability to contribute meaningfully and succeed in a demanding field like ours. Contrary to misconceptions, such as those voiced by RFK Jr. earlier this year, many people with autism can and do work, contribute meaningfully and succeed in demanding professions like the legal field. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning each individual experiences it differently. For me, this includes heightened sensitivity to noise and touch, interpreting information differently and sometimes struggling with social cues. While these challenges shape parts of my professional experience, I do not view them with shame. They are simply part of who I am.

Disabilities come in many forms, and days like today help break down the stigma that still exists in professional settings. As young lawyers and colleagues, we have an opportunity to continue improving accessibility, understanding and inclusion in our profession. Let us use this day to recognize the diverse experiences of our peers, amplify the voices of lawyers with disabilities, and reaffirm our commitment to a legal community that welcomes everyone.

Happy Holidays!

Finally, the DEI Committee wishes everyone a joyful and restful holiday season! December brings many meaningful celebrations across different cultures and traditions. Please take time to care for yourself and enjoy moments with family, friends and your communities. If you would like to share an experience, idea or feedback for the DEI committee to consider, you can do so here.