June 2007 Diversity Leadership Council Newsletter

The Illinois State Bar Association proudly stood as a co-sponsor of the ABA resolution supporting the creation of a Diversity Pipeline to help guide young minority students to the law. With over 70 official sponsors of the resolution, Illinois stands with 20 state bar associations and numerous county, city and specialty bars, as well as ABA sections, in support of opening doors to offer opportunities to any student who aspires to a career in the law.

The Illinois State Bar Association has a long-standing and unwavering commitment to diversity in the legal profession and in the Association.  

As chairs of the Standing Committees on Women and the Law and Minority and Women Participation, we are pleased to share with you the diversity outreach and educational efforts that our committees have undertaken during the past year. 

By Alice M. Noble-Allgire

During the past year, the Standing Committee on Minority and Women Participation has been exploring ways that the Illinois State Bar Association can encourage more minorities traverse the educational pipeline into the legal profession.

By Cheryl Niro

The Illinois Supreme Court took a dramatic step forward by creating the Commission on Professionalism.

By Pamela J. Roberts

Regardless how accomplished a woman may be, she cannot climb, much less reach the top of, the leadership ladder unless she spends a certain amount of years in her work environment.

By Jane DiRenzo Pigott

Abundant research, practical experience, and media stories support the business case for diversity. Ensuring that diversity is achieved requires committed leadership and rigorous assessment so that change is both measurable and sustainable into the future.

By Sonni Choi Williams

On September 18, 2006, the Peoria County Bar Association’s Diversity Committee held its third annual Diversity Luncheon and outdid itself again.

By E. Lynn Grayson

The Call to Action was launched on January 25, 2005 to increase the number of women partners and to enhance leadership opportunities for women attorneys in law firms.

The Minority Corporate Counsel Association selected the law firm of Laner, Muchin, Dombrow, Becker Levin and Tominberg, Ltd. as the recipient of the Thomas L. Sager Award for the Midwest Region.

By Melodi Green

BLSA, which is an organization comprised of a small group of African American and other minority law students, has targeted minority elementary, middle, and high school students, most of whom will come from low income and educationally deprived communities in Illinois and surrounding areas.

By Michele M. Jochner

Increasing diversity within the legal profession not only contributes significantly to the quality of the profession, but also serves to enhance the public’s confidence in, and respect for, the legal system. As members of the legal profession, it is our duty and obligation to assume the lead in assuring that there is gender, racial, ethnic and sexual orientation diversity within our ranks.